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Penn State vs Michigan State: Prediction roundtable

By Barry Leonard Jr.

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a first half touchdown pass behind Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a first half touchdown pass behind Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions warms up before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Barry Leonard, Co-Site Expert

I truly felt confident in picking Penn State to beat Ohio State outright two weeks ago. The atmosphere of the White Out is a very difficult one to play in for opposing teams, and I didn’t think Ohio State would be able to handle it. My prediction was looking great late into the game, right up until the moment it all went wrong.

Oh well, that’s enough dwelling on past games. It’s time to move on and focus on Sparty.

Michigan State is entering on a sour note after dropping its second game to an unranked opponent last week against Northwestern. However, Penn State fans only need to think back to last year to know that the Spartans still can’t be taken lightly.

That being said, I think the extra week will prove extremely helpful to the Nittany Lions. The Ohio State tape gave the coaching staff plenty of issues to work on, particularly on defense, and I’m confident that Franklin and his coaching staff made the needed adjustments.

Michigan State will likely throw a lot in this one and score some points, but won’t be able to keep up with the potent Penn State offense.

The Nittany Lions will look to exploit a Michigan State defense that got torched by Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson a week ago. For the year, the Spartans are allowing an average of 324 yards through the air. That sets up a dream matchup for Trace McSorley and the Penn State passing attack.

Look for a huge day from McSorley and his receivers, namely KJ Hamler. The Homecoming crowd will go home very happy after a big Penn State win.

Penn State 47
Michigan State 21

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