Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/423095
Following a 45-3 blowout win over Rutgers this past Saturday, the Spartans will hit the road in search of that bench- mark victory. While it's typically been Michigan State's defense that has carved a path for its success – it is just one of four schools, along with Alabama, Florida and Florida State, to rank in the top 10 in total defense the past three sea- sons – the offense has been taking the lead in 2014, singing the tune of 43.9 points per game. The defense, which runs a multiple 4- 3 set and returned five starters from last year's Big Ten championship squad, is strong like you'd expect, ranking No. 8 in the country in total defense and limiting opponents to 20.8 points per game. And James Franklin drew a comparison be- tween it and Alabama's, saying it is "probably the most similar defense that I've seen to Alabama in terms of body type and model." The offense, however, has been getting more attention as of late – although not as much as Dantonio would hope. It is on pace to be one the most prolific in school history, as the Spartans have already set school records for most points (483), total offense (5,660 yards), offensive touchdowns (61) and made point-aDer attempts (63). And their 38 rushing touchdowns are tied for the school record. The offense also ranks high nationally, placing in the top 20 in passing efficiency (14th with a 154.1 rating), rushing offense (19th at 245.5 yards per game) and yards per play (12th with 6.75). Also, star run- ning back Jeremy Langford – a converted defensive back – enters this weekend's game in search of his ninth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance. Despite all the high-ranking offensive statistics, Michigan State has barely been recognized on a national level for its O. Rather, it's the D that continues to garner the spotlight. And although he's rushed for 100-plus yards in eight consecutive games, not once has Langford been hon- ored by the Big Ten as Offensive Player of the Week. "Other people have to make those de- cisions. That's not my call," Dantonio said. "[It is] disappointing, though, but sometimes I think to the winner go the spoils, to be honest with you. We're a lit- tle bit of the forgotten ones right now. We have a very good football team. We have a chance to win 10 football games, and we need to take comfort in that." But he's expecting his offensive unit to face one of its toughest matchups of the season this Saturday against Penn State. He said the Nittany Lions have "an ex- cellent defense" and highlighted how they rank among the nation's top five in scoring defense, pass efficiency, and total defense. Seems as though linebacker Mike Hull would appreciate the respect from the opposing coach. He talked Tuesday about how PSU's defense has seen an overall lack of respect from the national media and how it's hoping to turn some heads vs. the Spartans' multi-dimen- sional offense – which has also garnered that perceived lack of respect. Something has to give. "I think if we win Saturday, we can prove that we're better than what our record shows, especially on defense," Hull said. "If we hold this high-powered offense in check, then we can… finally gain a little respect that we haven't got- ten all year." Keeping the offense in check is one thing; getting the win is another. Despite it being Senior Day for the Nit- tany Lions, Michigan State is heavily fa- vored. And a trademark of Dantonio's tenure has been the Spartans' ability to produce wins late in the regular season. They've compiled a 20-6 record in No- vember, including 14 wins in the past 17 November games. Prior to Dantonio's ar- rival, MSU went just 2-11 in the final month of the regular season. When Dantonio and the Spartans last visited Penn State – on Nov. 27, 2010, which also happened to be Senior Day – they prevailed, 28-22, and clinched a share of the Big Ten championship. "That was a great moment, I think, in our time here these last eight years," he said. "We [won the conference title] the hard way. It was a cold day. We had to go away to do it, and we got it done. I think when you do things the hard way, you have a little bit more appreciation for it." There's no league championship in the offing this year. But there is that bench- mark win. And it won't come easy. NATE BAUER RECORD 8-3 As has been the case in essentially every game this season, the Nittany Lions will have a chance. Really, that's how good this defense is. That said, the offense is running on fumes at this point. MICHIGAN STATE 19, PENN STATE 13 PHIL GROSZ RECORD 7-4 This is a much different Penn State team than the one that took Ohio State to double overtime. The passing game has faded, and the Lions have had to rely almost exclusively on their defense to stay competitive. Expect another strong effort from the defense on Sen- ior Day, but PSU doesn't appear to have the offensive firepower it will need to beat a team as good as the Spartans. MICHIGAN STATE 24, PENN STATE 10 MATT HERB RECORD 7-4 Penn State has scored 14.6 points per game in its seven Big Ten games. That's not gonna get it done this week. The defense has performed heroically throughout the season, but it's too much to ask of these guys to hold Michigan State to a couple of TDs. MICHIGAN STATE 24, PENN STATE 13 TIM OWEN RECORD 8-3 Michigan State hasn't lost a regular- season finale since 2009, and Mark Dantonio has a 20-6 record in Novem- ber. But on Penn State's Senior Day, those trends can go out the window. PENN STATE 24, MICHIGAN STATE 21 RYAN SNYDER RECORD 8-3 Penn State will give the Spartans a game, but good coaching from Mark Dantonio and solid QB play from Con- nor Cook will give Sparty the edge. Penn State finishes at 6-6. MICHIGAN STATE 24, PENN STATE 14 N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 4 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 2 BWI'S FORECAST