Penn State vs Michigan State: Prediction roundtable

Dylan Burd, Contributor

It was a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State two weeks ago, but that’s been the cause of motivation surrounding James Franklin and the Penn State team lately. In fact, Coach Franklin said that Wednesday’s practice was the best they’ve had in the last four years. That’s a pretty big statement to make considering we’re talking about hundreds of practices.

Add all this to the fact that Penn State is playing at home to avenge the 2017 loss against Michigan State, and it screams huge win coming for the Nittany Lions.

Michigan State has the best run defense in the FBS (allowing 1.32 rushing yards per carry), but other than that they have been mediocre this season. Last week, they lost to Northwestern at home 29-19. Let’s remember that Northwestern lost to Akron not to long ago.

That being said, expect Penn State to throw all over the Spartans on Saturday. With Trace McSorley coming off what was possibly his best career game against Ohio State (461 total yards), I wouldn’t be surprised if he pushes it up to even another level. I expect McSorley to eclipse 400 total yards again, and score three touchdowns. Furthermore, McSorley also only need 40 passing yards to break Christian Hackenberg’s school record for most passing yards ever at Penn State.

With all the scrutiny coming towards Penn State wide receivers for their dropped passes (12.4% of McSorley’s throws have been dropped – most in Power-5 conferences), expect them to bounce back a bit this week too. I think Juwan Johnson and K.J Hamler will catch touchdowns, and standout freshman Pat Freiermuth will once again be a huge help from the tight end spot.

A dominant win this week for Penn State is what will make the entire nation realize that the Nittany Lions could legitimately win out and make the College Football Playoff.

Penn State: 41
Michigan State: 20