Penn State Football: Ranking Nittany Lions' toughest remaining games

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 26: Wide receiver Brandon Sowards #16 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by safety Drew Hartlaub #37 and linebacker Jan Johnson #36 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

6. vs. Michigan State

Mark Dantonio, favorite whipping post of James Franklin is gone, and new Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker already has a signature victory in his first season, toppling Michigan last Saturday. He won’t be getting another vs. Penn State.

This series has been tight, with Michigan State owning a 6-4 lead over the past 10 years, including a 2018 upset over the No. 8 ranked Nittany Lions in Happy Valley.

But, this is an undermanned Spartans team with inconsistent quarterback play from Rocky Lombardi and who knows what Sparty’s defense will look like by the time we get to this game.

The battle for the Land Grant Trophy returns to the final week of the season this year, where it should always remain, and Penn State should cruise to a victory and await their opponent in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Week. It will most likely be the second-place finisher in the Big Ten West division.

dark. Next. Penn State makes major depth chart change

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Penn State Football: Ranking Nittany Lions’ toughest remaining games

By Matt Lombardo | Nov 6, 2020

6. vs. Michigan State