Penn State football prediction vs Michigan State. Why Nittany Lions break six-game streak
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A debilitating, six-game losing streak will end Saturday in East Lansing, Michigan, one way or another.
Will Penn State football finally breakthrough in the Big Ten in 2025?
Yes, the Nittany Lions are betting favorites for the first time in a month when they travel to Spartan Stadium and attempt to end their longest skid in 21 years.
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At least they’re coming off an inspired effort in their 27-24 loss to No. 2 Indiana. Michigan State had an idle week to attempt to fix issues that have led to their own six-game slide.
Which team gets the better backup quarterback play? That could well decide things between two of the most disappointing teams in the nation.
The Lions will be seeking their first victory over a Power 4 opponent this season and their first, of any kind, for interim head coach Terry Smith.
Penn State football vs. Michigan State prediction
The Lions could control the game if they continue their sudden improvements in disruptive pressure on defense and “explosive plays” on offense.
Penn State’s defense finally performed close to expected levels by consistently harassing Indiana star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. On offense, it produced six plays of 20 yards or more after just 11 in the previous five games combined.
A corner has been turned, if the team’s motivation and improved effort are sustained. Even a more functional Michigan State offense with new starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic shouldn’t be able to keep up.
Penn State vs. Michigan State scouting report
Not all six-game losing streaks are built the same.
The Spartans own one of the worst scoring defenses in the nation, allowing 31.4 points per game (114th out of 134 FBS teams). They were blown out in five straight Big Ten games before an overtime defeat at Minnesota two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the superior-talented Lions lost five of their six games by a combined 16 points.
The Spartans will be hard-pressed to match Penn State, especially if redshirt freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer continues to settle and gain confidence with his downfield passing game, featuring come-alive wideouts Trebor Pena and Koby Howard.
The PSU defense should be able to apply more game-changing pressure up front, again, to help neutralize another national-caliber receiver combination in Nick Marsh (46 receptions, 554 yards) and Omari Kelly (38 receptions, 529 yards).
Penn State vs. Michigan State score prediction
Penn State 34, Michigan State 16
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football, Ethan Grunkemeyer prediction vs Michigan State
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