Penn State-Michigan State Prediction: A Sneaky Big Game

Penn State performs a sneaky essential recreation Saturday in opposition to an erratic Michigan State group that carry who-know-what form of mojo to Beaver Stadium. In response to James Franklin, the Lions have “good mojo” borne from a three-game win streak. However the Spartans might might include something.

So what to anticipate on Senior Day? Let’s attempt to unravel it.

No. 11 Penn State (9-2) vs. Michigan State (5-6)

• When: 4 p.m. ET Saturday
• The place: Beaver Stadium
• TV: FS1
• Streaming: fuboTV (Begin your free trial)
• Betting Line: Penn State is an 18.5-point favourite in accordance with SI Sportsbook
• Collection Historical past: Michigan State leads 18-17-1
• Final Assembly: Michigan State 30-27 in 2021
• Streaks: James Franklin is 3-5 in opposition to the Spartans

The Story Line

Aside from Senior Day, and quarterback Sean Clifford’s last residence recreation, the Lions have a considerable quantity using on Saturday’s final result. Penn State can document its fourth 10-win season beneath Franklin and second for Clifford as a starter. Ten wins symbolize a hit charge in faculty soccer that is troublesome to realize and harder to take care of. After two down years, it might mark a restoration of types for Franklin and his program.

The top coach has spent his time period at Penn State explaining how program, college and administrative alignment mix to generate success. Now, apparently, he has it with Athletic Director Patrick Kraft and Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.

“That is in all probability the most important factor,” Franklin stated. “I really feel like I can focus extra of my time and vitality on our gamers and our program proper now than in all probability I ever have in 12 years [as a head coach.”

With that newfound freedom, Franklin has the opportunity to turn a 10-win season into a runway to the expanded playoff. Ten wins might convince tweener players considering the NFL Draft to return for another season. They also turn recruits’ heads and, more important, appeal to impact players in the Transfer Portal.

Penn State could use an impact receiver (or two) and perhaps an offensive tackle (or two). Beating Michigan State, closing the regular season with four straight wins and playing in a New Year’s 6 bowl would help with that.

Penn State Players to Watch

Sean Clifford: Clifford’s last home start marks his 23rd at Beaver Stadium. He is the only Penn State quarterback to throw for 10,000 yards. And he knows fans are ready for him to go. So give him the ovation he deserves.

Nicholas Singleton: Penn State likely will run at Michigan State, which fields the nation’s 100th-ranked rushing defense. Last week was Kaytron Allen’s opportunity to shine. On Saturday, Singleton tops 1,000 yards as a freshman.

Abdul Carter: The freshman linebacker led Penn State in defensive snaps at Rutgers and has three tackles for loss the past two weeks. He’s going to be special.

Michigan State Players to Watch

Cal Haladay: The linebacker ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles (9.9 per game) and made 19 vs. Rutgers. Singleton and Allen will keep him busy.

Payton Thorne: The quarterback’s completion rate (63.4 percent) is a point higher than Clifford but he’s also thrown 10 interceptions. Thorne and Clifford are similar, but Clifford has a better run game.

Bryce Baringer: He’s the country’s best punter in terms of yards (48.4 per attempt) but his per-game average has been dwindling since October, as Big Ten weather kicked in.

The Prediction

Penn State has no idea what state Michigan State is in, and the Spartans might now know either. On Wednesday, seven players were charged, one with felony assault, following the Oct. 29 tunnel incident at Michigan Stadium. Coach Mel Tucker said earlier this week that he doesn’t have enough healthy players to conduct contact drills. And the Spartans blew a 17-point, second-half lead at home last week against Indiana.

Perhaps Michigan State rallies above all that to play its game of the season. To counter, the Lions should employ a first-strike strategy. If the defense comes out hot and Clifford controls his emotions, Penn State should take charge quickly and stifle the Spartans.

Penn State 34, Michigan State 14

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button’s on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.