The Land Grant Trophy is on the line when the Michigan State Spartans (2-4) visit the Penn State Nittany Lions (2-5) on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Michigan State in in fourth place in the Big Ten – East and Penn State is in sixth place, tied with Rutgers at the bottom. This game will air live on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Through six games, the Michigan State offense is averaging just 17.0 points per game and 319.7 yards per game, 224.5 through the air and 95.2 on the ground. Connor Heyward leads the team with 190 rushing yards and Jalen Nailor has a team high 20 receptions for 415 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Spartans are allowing 34.5 points and 395.3 yards, 231.7 passing and 163.7 rushing.
Seven games into their season, the Penn State offense is averaging 24.7 points per game and 412.6 yards per game, 241.6 through the air and 171.0 on the ground. Keyvone Lee leads the team with 322 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Jahan Dotson has a team high 38 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, the Nittany Lions are allowing 29.1 points and 327.4 yards, 191.7 passing and 135.7 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/penn_state” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions.
Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions (-14.5): O/U 47.0 (-112/-109)
Last time out, Michigan State hosted the depleted #4 Ohio State Buckeyes, who were also without their head coach, and lost 52-12. This game was over before it started as Ohio State scored the first 28 point and cruised to the 40-point win. Payton Thorne and Rocky Lombardi combined to go 21/36 for 180 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Defensively, the Spartans allowed 521 total yards and recovered one Buckeyes fumble.
Penn State visited the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and left with a 23-7 victory. The Nittany Lions scored the first 20 points of the game and never were threatened in this one as it was an easy win for Penn State. Sean Clifford went 15/22 for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on the night. Penn State rushed 57 times for 248 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Nittany Lions allowed just 205 total yards and recovered one Rutgers fumble.
Series History: Penn State won the meeting last season, but Michigan State leads the all-time series 17-16-1.
CFB Predictions: I like Michigan State +14.5 in this one.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 52-29