No. 15 Michigan State at No. 8 Penn State (Minus 14.5)

Penn State won the last meeting 17-13 in 2006 and has won six out of the last seven games, in the series. Although the Nittany Lions only lead the series 12-11-1, they have never lost at home to Michigan State with Joe Paterno as head coach.

The Spartans have Javon Ringer in the backfield, but the offense should have a tough time moving the ball against the Big Ten’s best statistical defense. When you add the fact that 1965 (23-0) was the last time Michigan State defeated Penn State in Happy Valley things look awfully rosy for Joe Paterno in what could be his last home game as Penn State’s head coach.

Penn State 24, Michigan State 21


Random Notes
Michigan State
The Good
The Spartans rank 12th in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
Michigan State is second in the Big 12 in sacks allowed.
Javon Ringer is third in the nation averaging 140.7 rushing yards per game.
Ringer leads the nation in scoring (10.9 points per game).
Ringer leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 173.2 all-purpose yards per game.

The Bad
Michigan State is next to last in the Big Ten and 105th in the country averaging 19.1 yards a kickoff return.


Penn State
The Good
Penn State is second in the nation in pass efficiency defense.
The Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in rushing offense (218.3 ypg); scoring offense (39.4 ppg) and sacks allowed (11).
Penn State’s defense leads the Big Ten in rushing (101.5 ypg), passing (157.2) scoring (11.9 ppg) and total defense (258.6).
The Nittany Lions are second in the Big Ten and 18th in the nation in total offense.
Penn State is tied for 20th in the nation and is second in the Big Ten averaging 2.64 sacks a game.
Evan Royster is third in the Big Ten averaging 102.1 rushing yards per game.
Derrick Williams is 13th in the country and leads the Big Ten in kickoff return average (28.6).

The Bad
Penn State ranks 51st in passing offense, their worst statistical category.


Players
Quarterback
Michigan State- Brian Hoyer 137/279 (.491), 2,029 yards, 9 TD, 6 INT

Penn State- Daryll Clark 155/259 (.598), 1.978 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT


Rushing
Michigan State- Javon Ringer 1,548 yards, 4.4 ypc, 20 TD

Penn State- Evan Royster 1,123 yards, 6.5 ypc, 12 TD
Penn State- Stephfon Green 495 yards, 5.8 ypc, 4 TD


Receiving-
Michigan State- Mark Dell 568 yards, 27 rec., 21.0 ypr, 2 TD
Michigan State- Blair White 557 yards, 31 rec., 18.0 ypr, 1 TD

Penn State- Deon Butler 580 yards, 40 rec., 14.5 ypr, 4 TD
Penn State- Jordan Norwood 478 yards, 33 rec., 14.5 ypr, 5 TD
Penn State- Derrick Williams 400 yards, 36 rec., 11.1 ypr, 2 TD


Defense
Michigan State- Trevor Anderson leads the team with 10 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.

Penn State- Aaron Maybin leads the Big Ten and is fourth in the nation averaging 1.1 sacks a game. He also leads the team with 17.5 tackles for loss.


Team Stats
Michigan State
Rushing- 147.8
Passing- 207.4
Total- 355.2 T
PF- 26.9
PA- 19.5

Penn State
Rushing- 221.7
Passing- 221
Total- 442.7
PF- 39.9
PA- 12.4