[3:35 PM] Michigan State @ #7 Penn State

What will be the GAME RESULT?

Michigan State: Wins or Single Digit Loss

@ #7 Penn State: Wins By Double Digits

 

• The Lions yielded just 87 yards of offense last week in a 39-0 win at Rutgers – the fewest they have yielded in a Big Ten game and fewest in any game since giving up 74 yards versus Temple in 2006.

• Penn State coach James Franklin acknowledged that he would speak to his team about the unique circumstances coming this weekend, but that his focus is only on Michigan State. The third-year coach knows this game will be won or lost in the trenches, as Michigan State brings a ground attack that has rushed for over 200 yards in four of their last five games, including 207 last week in a 17-16 loss to No. 2 Ohio State.

• Scott ran for a career-high 160 yards on 19 carries and added 76 more on receptions against the Buckeyes last week, and the sophomore has 935 yards and a 5.6 average this season. After rushing for 336 yards and two touchdowns on 73 carries in the first six games, Scott has rushed for 599 yards and four TDs on 95 carries in his last five games. Due to a combination of youth and injuries, Michigan State has had a different starting lineup in every game this season, but the defense held the Buckeyes to season lows in points (17), total offense (310 yards) and passing (86 yards) last week.

• First-year offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has the offense humming, averaging 39.7 points during the Nittany Lions’ seven-game winning streak, as quarterback Trace McSorley (2,600 yards passing, 359 yards rushing, 23 total TDs, five interceptions) is on track to break Penn State’s record for total offense in a season. Barkley continues to lead the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,205), all-purpose yards (1,538) and touchdowns (14), and the sophomore has rushed for 825 yards and a 6.3 average in his last six games. Tight end Mike Gesicki set a program record for receptions in a season by a tight end, hauling in five at Rutgers to bring his season total to 42.

• In the battle for the Land-Grant Trophy (established in 1993), Michigan State leads the all-time series 15-14-1 following a 55-16 win in East Lansing last season.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Michigan State: Wins or Single Digit Loss

Confidence: 5/10

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