5 reasons for optimism for Penn State against Michigan State

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After yet another heartbreaking loss at Beaver Stadium, there is not much left to salvage but pride for the Nittany Lions this season. They have been a team of almosts all year, and because of it, they now sit 15th in the Big Ten at 3-6. Still, there are several positives in the final three games of the season, one being that the ranked teams are behind them.

Also, Ethan Grunkemeyer looked much more settled in against an elite Indiana defense and doesn’t have to face another of that caliber. So when the Nittany Lions go on the road this week against a middle-of-the-pack Michigan State squad, they will be feeling pretty good about themselves. Here are the top five reasons Penn State should be optimistic about its upcoming game against Michigan State.

Penn State can be more multiple in the pass game against woeful Michigan State pass D

This could finally be the time when a Penn State weakness turns into a potential Penn State strength. Michigan State’s pass defense has been woeful all year long, ranking 12th in the Big Ten and giving up an average of 205.2 receiving yards per game. This could allow Penn State to get even more creative and bold in their downfield playcalling. While Trebor Pena has come alive over the past couple of weeks, utilizing his speed and misdirection, I could also envision a game where both Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross’s deep threat abilities come to light more than they ever have this year. Also, don’t sleep on the production of young receiver Koby Howard and the two tight ends that have come up big recently.

Offensive line discipline

Shockingly enough, in a season in which the Penn State O-line has come under much scrutiny, they haven’t necessarily cost the team as much as you would think. In fact, in one crucial department, they have excelled: minimizing penalties. As a result, Penn State has been much better at extending drives, something that came to fruition in the Indiana game. Penn State overall has only committed 34 penalties this season, with an average of 31.8 yards per game. Compare that to the Spartans, who average almost 49.3, and that could be a major unseen factor that could benefit the Blue and White.

Penn State’s red zone success vs Michigan State’s red zone failures

While this isn’t entirely a Penn State strength, compared to Michigan State’s appalling red zone defense, chances are once Penn State gets inside the 20, points will be scored. They rank 40th in the FBS in terms of red zone conversion rate, but Michigan State defensively is 101st, allowing 87.5 percent of opposing red zone trips to be converted into points by their opponent. With a confident run game and creative red zone playcalling, Penn State has to feel good about its point-scoring chances.

Penn State D can force Aidan Chiles to throw the football

This stems from the fact that Michigan State’s committee approach in terms of rushing the ball hasn’t worked out. While they expected Elijah Tau-Tolliver, a transfer from Sacramento State, to carry the majority of the workload, that hasn’t been the case as he has only 13 carries for a measly 55 yards. This leaves them with a rushing attack that ranks 103rd in the FBS, rushing for 125.8 yards per game. Penn State on the other hand, wants to force teams to run the football and allow their elite secondary to create turnovers. Aidan Chiles has been prone to turnovers throughout his career, throwing 11 interceptions last year and 3 this year. Look for Penn State to force him to be indecisive all game long, much like what they did to Fernando Mendoza.

Lack of discipline of Michigan State

Compared to Penn State, Michigan State likes to shoot itself in the foot. It’s not just poor execution, it’s penalties as well. They have already accumulated 54 on the season, averaging 51.4 penalty yards per game at home. Recent games have shown this pattern. Against Michigan on October 25, the offense committed 9 of the team’s 12 personal fouls, including at a critical moment near the goal line. Still, against Nebraska, it was poor execution in terms of protection, as they allowed 4 sacks and 12 TFLs. For a Penn State defense coming off a season-best performance against a Heisman frontrunner, it does not bode well for the Spartans.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Top 5 reasons for optimism for Penn State football vs. Michigan State

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