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O T H E R M A T C H U P S THE LOWDOWNMichigan State's kicking game is by no means spectacular, but it has been more consistent than Penn State's. The Spartans rank seventh in the Big Ten in kickoff-return average (22.4 yards) and last in punt returns (2.0 yards) Junior PK Michael Geiger has converted 9 of 14 field goal attempts, with his longest being 47 yards. Fresh- man P Jake Hartbarger gives the Spartans a big edge here, as he is averaging 42.8 yards. Penn State's problems on special teams have been well documented. The Lions have given up kickoff returns of 96 and 98 yards, and Daniel Pasquariello is averaging just 39.9 yards per punt. There have been two bright spots here: Redshirt freshman Koa Farmer is averaging 24.4 yards per kickoff return, while place-kickers Joey Julius and Tyler Davis have been reli- able on field goals, hitting 16 of 18 attempts. // EDGEMichigan State SPECIAL TEAMS THE LOWDOWNThis will be senior day for the Spartans – always a big occasion – and the hype for Saturday's game will be magnified, as a victory over visiting Penn State will put them in the Big Ten Championship Game and keep them in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Penn State will be looking to play spoiler, but it has not had much luck in that role during James Franklin's tenure, going 0-4 during the past two seasons against ranked opponents. // EDGEMichigan State THIS 'N' THAT THE LOWDOWN The edge here has to go to Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and his staff. The Spartans have become a top-20 program year in and year out, and Dantonio has taught his team how to win big games. Penn State under Franklin is just coming out of the shadow of the NCAA sanctions and is trying to learn how to compete on the big stage. // EDGEMichigan State COACHING STAFF N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 5 B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 5 State, are primarily running threats. Between them, they've attempted only 30 passes this season, completing 15 of those throws for 148 yards. Senior WR Aaron Burbridge is the Spartans' leading receiver with 69 catches for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns. He leads the Big Ten with 6.3 receptions and 98.5 yards per game. Senior WR Macgarrett Kings Jr. is MSU's second-leading receiver with 33 catches for 458 yards and five TDs. Penn State ranks fourth in the conference in pass defense and is allowing opponents to complete 57.6 percent of their attempts. The Lions have 10 interceptions as a team, with cornerbacks John Reid and Grant Haley accounting for four of those picks. Nassib still leads the nation with 15.5 sacks, and as a team, Penn State's 44 sacks also rank first. // KEY MATCHUP The Kieler- vs.-Nassib matchup listed above will also be critical in the passing game, as the Spartans will need to keep Penn State's sack leader out of the backfield (assuming he plays). // EDGEMichigan State

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