Penn State at Michigan State Prediction Roundtable
The Penn State Nittany Lions face off against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday in the regular season finale for the 2015 season. The Nittany Lions are looking for their first win in November this year after dropping two-straight to Northwestern and Michigan. Michigan State has a lot to gain from the game, as the Spartans will go to the Big Ten Championship with a victory.
It’s been a struggle for the Nittany Lions recently, especially on offense. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg has looked like a shell of himself from two years ago. The defense, typically a strong point for the Nittany Lions, has had trouble covering wide receivers and making tackles over the last few games.
The game will be tough, but anything can happen, especially near the end of the college football season. Check out the VBR staff predictions for Penn State’s battle in East Lansing.
Lead Editor Barry Leonard Jr.
It’s been a rough time in Happy Valley recently. The Penn State offense has been out of sync, the defense has forgotten how to tackle and the special teams play has been suspect at best. I fell into the trap the last two weeks of thinking that the Nittany Lions would be able to pull off the upset.
Penn State has been completely ineffective on offense, and the offensive line hasn’t really been able to block anyone. That will make things tough this week against the tough Spartans. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been good when given time this year, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened much lately.
I’m expecting more struggles from Hackenberg and the offense. Running back Saquon Barkley will break a big run or two, like he did last week against Michigan, but it won’t be enough.
The once highly-effective Penn State defense has looked very pedestrian the last few games, especially in the area of tackling. The Nittany Lions have let opposing offense march down the field and have failed to get off the field on third downs.
There’s no official word yet on the health of Carl Nassib, but the defense isn’t the same when he’s off the field. Michigan State could be missing quarterback Connor Cook, but that won’t matter.
Penn State could hang around for a bit in this game, but in the end, the Spartans will be too much. Penn State falls for the third time in November by a score of 27-10.
Staff Writer Shane Lunnen
This will be Penn State’s last chance to get a signature win this season and they will need to play a near perfect game to pull off an upset against Michigan State. All the pressure will be on the Spartans, as a win sends them to Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship game. It would be great if Penn State can play loose and come out firing because they have nothing to lose.
The Spartans have a suspect secondary, so if there was ever a game to let Christian Hackenberg air it out, this is it. However I’m not sure the Penn State offensive line can give him enough time against a stout Michigan State defensive line.
It’s up in the air if Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook will play in this game, however backup Tyler O’Connor did enough to lead the Spartans to a victory over Ohio State last week. Look for the Penn State defense to play aggressive and try to force some turnovers. I hope they worked on shoring up their tackling this week in practice.
I’m really unsure of how much Penn State can move the ball on offense in this one against a great defense. I think Christian Hackenberg will be running for his life and won’t have enough time to get the ball to the playmakers. Saquon Barkley will bounce back and get a score but that will be it as the Spartan offense will wear down a tired Nittany Lion defense.
Michigan State wins 24-10 and Penn State will end the regular season on a losing slide, hoping to bounce back in the bowl game.
Staff Writer Marty Leap
Saturday’s matchup is an intriguing one to me. Michigan State could very possibly be without quarterback Connor Cook, but Cook is the type of pocket passer that Penn State’s defense tends to succeed against. However, the Spartan offense has not been very good without Cook this year.
Michigan State’s defense has also not been as good in past years. Their pass defense has struggled this year (67th nationally), but the Spartans still have a very good defensive line. Michigan State has 30 sacks on the season, good for 21st best nationally. If Christian Hackenberg is given time to throw on Saturday he should have a big day, however, my fear is that Michigan State’s defensive line will dominate Penn State’s offensive line and in turn not give Hack time to throw.
If Penn State’s offense is going to be successful on Saturday they need to find a way to get the ball in the hands of their play makers in space and quickly. Saquon Barkley, Chis Godwin, Saeed Blacknall, and Nick Scott are all guys I believe could make an impact on Saturday so Penn State needs to find a way to get them the ball in space. Let these athletic players use their athletic ability to make guys miss and make plays.
Against Michigan, and on the final possession against Northwestern, Penn State’s defense dearly missed Carl Nassib and Jordan Lucas. However, the defense was still strong. Hopefully, Nassib will be able to contribute this weekend, as that would go a long way toward a Penn State victory.
If Penn State is going to pull the upset Saturday, in my opinion, they will have to force at least two turnovers to give the offense field position. If these turnovers happen, I believe the Nittany Lions will have a chance. But without them, it will be very difficult.
Michigan State also has a lot to play for Saturday. It is simple, if the Spartans win they win the Big Ten East, go to the Big Ten Championship Game, and still control their own destiny to make the College Football Playoff. However, if they lose that all goes out the window. So, I look for the Spartans to play very inspired football Saturday, and, ultimately, I think it is too much for the Nittany Lions to handle.
Michigan State 21
Penn State 7