Penn State Football Season Rewind: Nittany Lions Roll Past Michigan State to Win Big Ten East

Penn State rolled past Michigan State to advance to the Big Ten Championship.

With a win over Michigan State in the regular season finale, coupled with a Michigan loss, the Penn State Nittany Lions clinched the Big Ten East division crown and secured a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

There was a sense of preoccupation around Beaver Stadium at the start of the game. With Michigan and Ohio State playing an epic overtime game, and the Nittany Lions needing the Buckeyes to pull it out, the focus seemed to be on what was happening in Columbus.

Though it may never be admitted, the Nittany Lions seemed a bit unfocused, likely thinking about what was going on in Columbu, and struggled at the onset against Michigan State. However, as soon as Ohio State secured the win, there was a collective breath taken around Beaver Stadium, and all focus seemed to shift to the matter at hand. From that point on, Penn State took total control.

Things started very slow for the Nittany Lions, who found themselves down 6-0 after the first quarter and 12-10 at halftime.

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However, like the trend all season, Penn State used a big second half to put away the Spartans.

Trace McSorley threw three third-quarter touchdown passes to help put the game away. All three passes were big plays, as he tossed 39 and 54-yarders to Chris Godwin and a 45-yard strike to tight end Mike Gesicki.

The fourth quarter was more of the same, as the Nittany Lions scored twice. Both touchdowns came by backup running back Andre Robinson, one on a 14-yard run and a 40-yard pass.

McSorley had a monster game, throwing for 376 yards and four touchdowns. Godwin led all receivers with five receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns.

Saquon Barkley was held in check before exiting the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. He finished with just 12 carries for 14 yards, but did get into the end zone.

Penn State’s defense played a dominant game, completely shutting the Spartans down after allowing four first-half field goals. Linebacker Brandon Bell had a monster game with 18 tackles. Fellow linebacker Manny Bowen also had a big game with nine tackles and a sack.

Next: Penn State Spring Storyline: Who Will Replace Chris Godwin as the Top Receiver?

The win gave the Nittany Lions eight straight and clinched the Big Ten East division title, setting up a battle with the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship.

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