Michigan State football: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 11 Penn State

Michigan State's Katin Houser runs for a gain against Nebraska during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Katin Houser runs for a gain against Nebraska during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
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Nov 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Maliq Carr (6) runs toward the end zone during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Maliq Carr (6) runs toward the end zone during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

1. Michigan State covers the spread

As I said on the previous page, James Franklin is going to be conservative. I think we’re going to see a run-heavy offense from the Nittany Lions while the Spartans will be playing with absolutely nothing to lose. This is a dangerous spot for the Nittany Lions to be in.

Michigan State is going to open up the playbook because, well, Jay Johnson won’t be back next year so what is there to lose?

Plus, it’s not like the Spartans are playing for a bowl berth.

The line for this game favors Penn State by 21.5 points and I think we’re going to see the Spartans cover that and actually stay within a score for most of the game. I wouldn’t be shocked if this one was decided by less than two scores.

Michigan State is going to cover and make Penn State sweat this one out.