Spartans-Nittany Lions Game Recap

Going into Saturday's tilt with Penn State, MSU had some significant history pressing down upon them. There was the knowledge that no Spartan team had won in Happy Valley in 45 years. There were the memories of their 31-point defeat two seasons prior. And most of all, there was the pressure of capturing a share of the Big Ten title for the first time in 20 years. But, this Michigan State team was able to push all of that history to the backburner, and focus solely on delivering a great effort. In beating Penn State 28-22 today, they defied pre-season expectations, and left all Spartan fans with a regular season to remember.

For the eleventh time in twelve weeks, the Spartans came out on top on a fall Saturday, and in this game specifically, they did it the same way the always have: through toughness and desire. From the very start, MSU established control of the game with a 9-play, 71 yard drive, capped off with a tough Edwin Baker scoring run. They held a chokehold on the game well into the third quarter, and in limiting Penn State to only three first-half points, put together their best two opening quarters of the Big Ten season.

That early cushion would prove to be crucial, as the Nittany Lions roared back to life with a 19-point fourth quarter. Even after Penn State received a lucky break in the form of a Trenton Robinson interception-turned-fumble, the Spartans recovered their last-ditch onside kick effort, and maintained their composure. Although this wasn't a statistically impressive game (State threw for only 152 yards, and ran for 163), MSU came out on top because they avoided penalties and turnovers, while Penn State, on the other hand, committed eight infractions and turned the ball over once late in the game. Despite allowing Matt McGloin to throw for 312 yards, they contained senior RB Evan Royster to just 85 yards on the ground, and that effort in itself was also a key to victory.

Going into the game, MSU knew they would need a stellar effort to escape Happy Valley with a win. But, in playing with heart, tougness, and desire, the Spartans leave Penn State more than just winners. Above anything else, they leave as champions.

--Beau