Penn State and Michigan State meet Saturday afternoon with matching 3-6 records and each seeking its first Big Ten win, as the Land Grant Trophy is on the line at Spartan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on CBS.
Both teams enter with similar struggles but contrasting profiles. Michigan State averages 347.7 yards per game, ranking 99th nationally, but has shown recent signs of life behind redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. He threw for 311 yards in the Spartans’ 23-20 loss to Minnesota on Nov. 1, demonstrating pocket awareness despite heavy pressure.
MSU coach Jonathan Smith has not officially named a starter, though Milivojevic’s late-season emergence makes him the likely choice, with Aidan Chiles potentially factoring into red-zone packages.
Penn State, coming off a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Indiana, remains more stable at the skill positions. Kaytron Allen leads the Nittany Lions with 736 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while Trebor Pena has emerged as their most productive receiving option. However, Penn State’s offense ranks 110th in total yardage and could be tested by Michigan State’s improving front.
The matchup features notable situational contrasts. Penn State converts 44.4% of its third downs, while Michigan State allows opponents to convert at nearly the same rate.
The Spartans’ biggest weakness remains red-zone defense, where they rank 101st nationally, allowing scores on 87.5% of drives. Penn State’s 89.2% red-zone scoring rate could play a decisive role.
Penn State holds the edge on defense, ranking 35th nationally and allowing just 172.1 passing yards per game. Michigan State’s offensive line, which surrendered six first-half sacks at Minnesota, faces another significant test against Penn State pass rushers Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher.
With both teams fighting to finish the season on a positive note, execution and focus may matter as much as talent in this late-season matchup.
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