Penn State Football 2021 game-by-game predictions

Week 12: Penn State Football @Michigan State

Playing in East Lansing has not be fun for Penn State over the years, but they reversed that in 2019.

Michigan State has a long rebuild ahead of them, and coach Mel Tucker knows it.

Quarterback Rocky Lombardi showed glimpses of greatness in 2020, especially against Penn State when he tossed four touchdowns passes. Lombardi’s problem has been consistency and turnovers.

Jalen Nailor is the big play receiver on what would be considered an underwhelming Spartans offense. Their rushing attack in 2020 was pretty brutal. No running back scored a touchdown and Jordan Simmons led the way with just 3.9 yards per attempt. A one dimensional offense with a quarterback who turns the ball over frequently isn’t a receipt for success.

The Michigan State secondary will try to replace Shakur Brown, who had five interceptions last season. He was the only player on the team to record a pick. Expect them to struggle a bit back there.

The Michigan State defense as a whole just isn’t very good. Defensive end Drew Beesley will apply some pressure, but he doesn’t have much help.

Michigan State is a tough team to play, especially at home, but they may already be checked out by the time this game happens.

Penn State 31 Michigan State 10