Saturday’s Michigan State vs Penn State game won’t exactly be the most thrilling matchup between the two rivals in the history of the Land Grand Trophy.
The Spartans and Nittany Lions are both 0-6 in Big Ten play and this is essentially just a game to see who can stay alive in the hunt for a bowl game. Each team is on a lengthy losing streak, but Penn State has really fallen apart ever since James Franklin was fired. Jonathan Smith finds himself on the hot seat for Michigan State, and he likely needs to win out to keep his job.
This is a must-win for Smith and the Spartans.
Michigan State is hosting its senior day on Saturday, and some key players will be suiting up for the Spartans for the last time, so why not go out a inner in front of the fans?
It’s not going to be easy, because Penn State did start the season as a top-five team for a reason, but this is still a more than winnable game. This is one Smith has to have if he wants to be in East Lansing next season.
What does Vegas think of Saturday’s matchup?
Line: Penn State -7
Over/Under: 49.5
Moneyline: Penn State -270 | Michigan State +220
Vegas thinks that Penn State is going into hostile territory to pick up its first Big Ten win of the season, but I think this one is going to be a toss-up. I think Michigan State will hold a lead until a late punt gives Penn State a chance to go down and take the lead with a couple of minutes left, and they do. Michigan State won’t be able to respond, and it falls for a seventh straight game.
Prediction: Penn State 28, Michigan State 24