Penn State Football wins if this happens, Michigan State wins if that does

By Evan Smith | Nov 26, 2021

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker shakes hands with Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) following their 56-7 win over the Michigan State Spartans in the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes Football /

Michigan State wins if …

Is there a way to quantify ‘they win if their heart is actually in it’?

After getting absolutely destroying at Ohio State last week 56-7, and amid the contract extension talks with Mel Tucker, there’s a lot of media buzz around this Michigan State Spartan team.

This is one of those games that really could go in a variety of ways based almost entirely on motivation. While difficult to give a metric for motiviation, one way this can manifest is in special teams. PSU’s Jordan Stout is second to none when it comes to punting as he continued to force Rutgers to start deep into their own territory.

So, Michigan State wins by ensuring positive yardage on their possessions.

One or two first downs a punt isn’t the worst drive result.

So, Michigan State wins if they have less than 3 possessions with 3 or less plays (either a 3 and out or a turnover in the first three plays of a drive).

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