The Michigan State Spartans'(5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) visit a familiar foe in the Penn State Nittany Lions'(9-2, 6-2) Saturday. Kickoff from Beaver Stadium is set for 4 p.m. ET (FS1).'Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s'lines around the Michigan State vs. Penn State'odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Spartans are coming off a tough 39-31 double-OT home loss last week against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Spartans, who were 12.5-point favorites, dominated all of the major stat categories, leading in total yards (540 to 288) — including holding IU to 31 passing yards — 1st downs (29-11) and time of possession (36:33-23:27). Michigan State’s problem was its inability to carry any 1st-half momentum and scoring into the 2nd half. MSU led 24-7 at the half but only scored a TD in the 3rd quarter and went scoreless in the 4th quarter and both overtimes.
The Nittany Lions are riding a 3-game win streak where all in blowout fashion, including last week’s 55-10 rout at Rutgers as 19.5-point favorites. It was a game that many would consider perfect with all components of the team scoring. The offense tallied 4 TDs and 2 field goals, the defense forced 3 turnovers and scored 2 TDs, and special teams returned a kickoff 100 yards for the Lions’ 1st points of the game.
Penn State is No. 10 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The Lions are 11th in the College Football Playoff Rankings.