It's all there for Michigan State. The Spartans are ranked fifth in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and can muscle their way into the Playoff with two more wins. The first of those would have to come against Penn State in East Lansing on Saturday. And as we all know, you throw out the records when the Land Grant Trophy is on the line.
How to watch Penn State vs. Michigan State on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Spartans have the Playoff in their sights, but they need to take care of business against Penn State first. Here’s how you can watch, and what to look for.
The Spartans are riding high after their win over Ohio State last weekend. They dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and were able to win despite Connor Cook missing the game with a shoulder injury. Cook could be back this week, but his status is still uncertain.
Penn State is coming off a tough loss to Michigan, and the Nittany Lions are study in contrasts. Their defense is good, just like it almost always is, and the offense looks just terrible. Christian Hackenberg is still inconsistent, and the chances Penn State's offensive line can stand up to Michigan State's defensive front are slim. Penn State needs the game of Saquon Barkley's life if it wants to win this.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Radio: Penn State | Michigan State
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Michigan State is an 11-point favorite.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Black Shoe Diaries for Penn State fans and The Only Colors for Michigan State fans.
Three big things to know
1. Pressure’s on, Spartans. Michigan State controls its Playoff destiny. If it beats Penn State, it wins the Big Ten East. If it wins the Big Ten title, it’s in the Playoff. The Spartans have come a long, long way since the “SPARTY, NO!” days, but these types of scenarios have claimed the fates of many teams before.
2. Can Penn State get anything on offense? The Nittany Lion offense has been tough to watch this year. Between a lack of consistent line play, spotty play from Hackenberg and bewildering play calling and time management, Penn State touchdowns feel like rare birds. They’ll have a tough time with Michigan State’s defensive front, which gave Ohio State fits, so it’s hard to expect a breakout performance here.
3. Who's taking the snaps for Michigan State? Tyler O'Connor served admirably in Cook's place against Ohio State, and there's no reason to think he can't do the same against Penn State. There's no question Michigan State is better with Cook under center though, so the fact that they were both listed as starters with an "or" between them looms large.
See More:
