It’s hard to believe we already in Week 7 of the college football season. The Michigan State Spartans, coming off of a loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, will look to rebound this week, but that is easier said than done as the Penn State Nittany Lions are easily the toughest opponent the Spartans have seen so far this season.
Source: The Only Colors
Last year’s battle for the Land Grant Trophy came down to a last second field goal by Matt Coghlin, who nailed both the kick and the celebration, and gave the Spartans their signature win of the season. This year the Spartans are on the road and once again looking for a season defining victory. If the game is close like last year, the special teams will play a big role.
Source: The Only Colors
John McGonigal covers Penn State football for the Centre Daily Times. He breaks down the Nittany Lions for The Detroit News, answering five questions heading into Saturday’s Michigan State-Penn State game at Beaver Stadium.
Source: Detroit News
You know what’s sick about all of this? Michigan State hasn’t even gotten into the hard part of their season yet. That fun gets to happen now as our Spartans head to Happy Valley trying to take down Penn State for the second year in a row. Well, let’s try to figure out how that happens.
Source: The Only Colors
The Spartans rank 109th in the country with 123 rushing yards per game, which has been buoyed by long runs from WRs. MSU started its fifth different offensive line combination in that game and expect to start a sixth grouping in six games with the loss of David Beedle – the only senior at that position – for more than a month.
Source: Detroit Free Press
For all the criticism Michigan State’s passing defense has endured, the final result has always reflected a holistic effort. In other words, it’s not just the defensive backs’ responsibility to hold opposing aerial attacks at bay. That task also belongs to the defensive line, which has to generate a strong pass rush to knock quarterbacks off their rhythm — and oftentimes, their feet. If they can throw upright without any pressure all game, it makes the secondary’s job that much harder.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Michigan State is struggling these days, and it doesn’t get any easier this weekend when the 3-2 Spartans travel to Penn State (3:30 p.m. ET; TV: Big Ten Network) for a showdown with the Nittany Lions.
Source: Saturday Tradition
The Super Spartan Brothers preview Michigan State’s trip to Happy Valley to face the highly ranked Nittany Lions of Penn State. Plus, after identifying the 3 key problem areas with the Spartans on the last episode the Brothers take a look at the solution to those problems on this week’s show.
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch breaks down the Spartans’ matchup against the Nittany Lions this Saturday in State College, Pennsylvania.
Source: Lansing State Journal
Mark Brennan of 247Sports’ Fight On State was nice enough to help out to provide some insight into the Nittany Lions, specifically their defense, Trace McSorley and their bye-week goals. MSU’s toughest road game of the year kicks off at 3:40 p.m. in Happy Valley with the Land Grant Trophy on the line.
Source: Spartan Tailgate
Well things are about to get tougher for the Spartans, and considering how well things have gone so far, that is probably not a good thing. This week marks the first of the games against the “big three” divisional opponents. Michigan State will travel west to take on Penn State, who is looking to avenge last season’s loss at the hands of Matt Coghlin and the Spartans. Here’s what you need to know about Linebacker U.
Source: The Only Colors
The Spartans opened as a 14.5-point underdog for Saturday’s game at No. 8 Penn State, according to vegasinsider.com late Sunday afternoon. Michigan State was a favorite in each of its first five games this season but covered the point spread only once – a 35-21 win at Indiana on Sept. 22 after being favored by 6.5 points.
Source: MLive.com
This is a way-too-early-preview of the Michigan State versus Penn State game. Several factors could happen between now and game time including injuries, departures and depth chart changes, so things can change from now until the start of the season.
Source: Spartan Avenue
No. 5 Michigan State will look to make it five straight wins tonight when the Spartans play host to visiting Penn State. MSU (20-3 overall, 8-2 Big Ten) has won eight of the last nine against Penn State, which beat the Spartans last January at the Palestra in Philadelphia. The Nittany Lions haven’t won at Breslin Center since March 12, 2011, but this year’s Penn State is less than a week removed from upsetting Ohio State in Columbus for the Buckeyes’ first and only loss of Big Ten play.
Source: Spartan Tailgate
So much to get to from Saturday’s win over Penn State. We will try and hit as much as possible. We’ve got plays from both teams, as well as trying to break down some play calling tendencies as we move through what was really a great football game.
Source: The Only Colors
Michigan State-Penn State talking points: The slide celebration and some highlight reel catches MLive
Here’s what Michigan State fans are talking about after the Spartans’ 27-24 win over Penn State
Overheard outside the Michigan State locker room: November is for contenders and bring the storm MLive
Here are some notable quotes from Michigan State players and coaches following the win
Big Ten hopes rise after MSU’s 27-24 win Detroit Free Press
Chris Frey was running back toward the huddle after covering Saquon Barkley midway through the fourth quarter when the Penn State running back shared a little news with his foe. “He was like, ‘Yo,” the Michigan State senior linebacker recalled, “‘we’re playing for a championship.’” Only the Spartans are left standing.
Felton Davis hauls in the victory, 27-24 Detroit Free Press
On Michigan State’s second drive after a 3:23 weather delay, wide receiver Felton Davis III made a momentum-swinging play to set the No. 24 Spartans up for a 27-24 win over No. 7 Penn State at home. Davis, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound junior, sprawled into the end zone on a 33-yard post route from sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke for his eighth touchdown of the season, tieing the game at 14.
‘Trample the lion’: Inspired Matt Coghlin delivers MSU’s winning kick Detroit News
Seven years ago as Michigan State was getting set to play Penn State in the regular-season finale with a Big Ten championship on the line, coach Mark Dantonio asked his team if it knew what was said in Psalm 91. Then quarterback Kirk Cousins said he did, reciting the key phrase that said, “trample the lion.”
Michigan State now firmly in hunt for Big Ten title with Ohio State looming MLive
“November is really for contenders,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “We put ourselves in position to at least be called a contender and that’s what we want to do.”
Michigan State report card: Spartans sharp in all facets vs. PSU Detroit Free Press
Chris Solari rates the Spartans on a scale of 1 to 10 after their 27-24 upset victory over No. 7 Penn State.
Spartans outlast weather delay, own key stats Detroit Free Press
For the second time this season, Michigan State’s football game went into a weather delay. Only this time, it was a long one. MSU and No. 7 Penn State sat in their locker rooms at Spartan Stadium for 3 hours and 22 minutes Saturday afternoon before play resumed due to a storm with lightning in the mid-Michigan area. The Spartans eventually upset the Nittany Lions, 27-24.
Mark Dantonio: ‘Seven hours to get our seventh win’ Detroit Free Press
What players and coaches had to say after Michigan State’s 27-24 victory over Penn State on Saturday
‘Matured’ receivers give MSU’s Lewerke plenty of options Detroit News
here’s a simple motto the players in Michigan State’s wide receiver room live by. “See ball, catch ball,” junior Felton Davis said on Saturday night. It’s pretty straight forward, but considering that entering the 2017 season, Davis’ 14 career catches were, by far, the most of any returning Spartans receiver, it wasn’t exaggerating to wonder who might make plays in the passing game.
Shawn Windsor: Can Spartans make Big Ten title game? Believe it Detroit Free Press
Free Press sports writer Shawn Windsor breaks down his three thoughts on Saturday’s 27-24 victory over Penn State
Wojo: Lewerke throws Spartans back into title contention Detroit News
With every perfect pass and every acrobatic catch, with every clutch play in adverse conditions, their confidence grew, and their identity continued to reshape. The Spartans are becoming something different and unexpected and fairly remarkable, and they’re doing it with a passing game that at times looks unstoppable.
Matt Coghlin accepts prayer card, then drills game-winning field goal MLive
Tie game, four seconds left. What advice does a coach have for a young player staring down the biggest moment of his career?
Grading Michigan State’s win against Penn State MLive
No. 24 Michigan State beat No. 7 Penn State 27-24 on Saturday night in East Lansing. Here are snap-judgement grades for the Spartans (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) heading into next week’s showdown at Ohio State (7-2, 5-1) for sole possession of first place in the Big Ten East Division
Box Score | Post Game Quotes | Post Game Notes
Michigan State stuns Penn State with last-second field goal, 27-24 Detroit Free Press
Another big game from Brian Lewerke and a few critical stops by Michigan State’s defense helped the Spartans pull off a 27-24 rain-delayed upset of No. 7 Penn State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium.
Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State’s 27-24 win over Penn State Lansing State Journal
Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on Michigan State’s 27-24 win over Penn State on Saturday.
Michigan State upsets No. 7 Penn State on field goal as time expires MLive
Michigan State already prevailed this season against a top-10 team in the rain and under the lights. Why not one more time?
The No. 24 Spartans checked it off for the second time with a 27-24 upset win against No. 7 Penn State on Saturday night in East Lansing.
Spartans shock Penn State, move atop the Big Ten Detroit News
It ended up being well worth the wait. After a weather delay of three hours and 22 minutes, No. 24 Michigan State pulled off its biggest win of the season, knocking off No. 7 Penn State, 27-24, on Saturday at Spartan Stadium. As time expired, redshirt freshman kicker Matt Coghlin booted a 34-yard field goal to give the Spartans the stunner and keep alive their hopes for a Big Ten East Division title.
Brian Lewerke stars in upset win over Penn State Spartan Avenue
Do you believe in miracles? Well, if you’re a fan of Michigan State football, you have to. Just months after hearing all about the 3-9 finish from a season ago, Michigan State pulled off an improbable victory over Penn State — just weeks after a win over Michigan.
MSU stuns No. 7 Penn State after long weather delay 27-24 State News
The Land-Grant Trophy is back in East Lansing, as the No. 24 Spartans beat the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24. The Nittany Lions led the Spartans 14-7, up until a three and a half hour weather delay took place a third of the way into the second quarter. After the weather delay, the Spartans would score thanks to a 33-yard touchdown pass from Brian Lewerke to Felton Davis III.
Michigan State-Penn State takeaways: Spartans back in Big Ten title hunt Detroit Free Press
Free Press columnist Shawn Windsor breaks down his three takeaways from Michigan State’s 27-24 upset victory over Penn State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium
Michigan State stays alive in Big Ten East race, upsets Penn State Land of 10
No. 24 Michigan State remains alive in the Big Ten title race after a 27-24 win over No. 7 Penn State at Spartan Stadium on Saturday. Quarterback Brian Lewerke threw for 400 yards to lead the Spartans (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) over the Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-2) after a weather delay of more than three hours. Michigan State will move on to face Ohio State in what could decide the Big Ten East.
Matt Coghlin’s redemption sends the Michigan State Football team over Penn State isportsweb
It took over seven hours to complete but it was well worth it in the end as the Michigan State Football team (7-2, 5-1) defeated #7 Penn State (7-2, 4-2) 27-24 after Matt Coghlin drilled a 34 yard field goal at the buzzer. In a 24-24 game late in the fourth quarter, Penn State drove into Michigan State territory. The Spartan defense stiffened as it had all game and forced the drive to stall. Once again Michigan State was in a potential game winning drive position.
No. 24 Spartans Wait Out Weather Delay, Upset No. 7 Penn State, 27-24 MSUSpartans.com
Matt Coghlin kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired to give No. 24 Michigan State a 27-24 victory over No. 7 Penn State on Saturday night in a game that was delayed nearly 3 1/2 hours by severe weather in the second quarter.
Instant analysis: Michigan State 27, Penn State 24 MLive
Michigan State beat writers Matt Wenzel and Kyle Austin break down the Spartans’ 27-24 win over Penn State.
In the Big Ten East, you can never let one loss turn into two. No. 7 Penn State, who’s bouncing off a 39-38 heartbreaker to Ohio State, will travel to East Lansing to fight No. 24 Michigan State, who’s emerging from a 39-31 triple-overtime loss against Northwestern. Both teams are down, and both need to get up. Who has the edge? Let’s see what the stats say.
Source: Impact Sports
MSU comes into their game against Penn State as anywhere between a 11.5 and 7.5 point underdog, depending where you look. Let’s not BS ourselves here — this will be a very difficult game for our Spartans.
Source: The Only Colors