The battle for the majestic Land Grant Tophy is going to be a little less intriguing this year than it's been in years past. Michigan State vs Penn State looked like an interesting game when the season started, but with both programs falling off so much, it's not nearly as important.
The Spartans have lost six straight games and sit at 3-6 with just three games remaining. There's a small chance they could make their first bowl game since 2021, but it's not looking good.
Michigan State is about to miss a bowl game for the fourth straight season overall and second under Jonathan Smith. The second-year head coach hasn't shown any improvement over two years and that's why he sits firmly on the hot seat with no end to the bleeding in sight.
However, Penn State is in a similar boat.
The Nittany Lions have yet to pick up their first win following the firing of James Franklin, but they nearly beat Indiana in their last contest, falling 27-24 in a thriller. The Nittany Lions looked vastly improved and Vegas is on board, giving Penn State the nod as the favorite on Saturday in East Lansing for Michigan State's senior day.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Nov. 11.
Line: Penn State -7.5
Over/Under: 49.5
Moneyline: Penn State -285 | Michigan State +230
The Spartans are relatively heavy underdogs on their home field on Saturday which is surprising considering Penn State has just one Big Ten win this year and sits just ahead of Michigan State in the conference standings. If this were to be at Penn State, I think the Nittany Lions would be like 13.5-point favorites, at least, according to this Vegas logic.
I'm not sure if either side deserves to be a favorite, but Vegas doesn't think Michigan State stands much of a chance.