Michigan State Faces Penn State in Crucial Season Finale

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State‘s football team prepares to host Penn State on Saturday at 3:40 p.m. at Spartan Stadium, broadcasted live on CBS. As the Spartans face off against the Nittany Lions, MSU coach Jonathan Smith has yet to confirm if Alessio Milivojevic will start as quarterback. However, it seems likely given Milivojevic’s performance two weeks ago against Minnesota.

The redshirt freshman displayed resilience and potential during his debut, but struggles in the red zone raised concerns. Some of his issues were attributed to play calling, leaving fans curious whether Smith will adjust the strategy or opt for Aidan Chiles in critical situations.

Despite a tough season, MSU players have shown determination in recent games, suggesting they will bring their best effort for the final game at home. Meanwhile, Penn State is coming off consecutive losses, including a heartbreaking defeat to Indiana, raising questions about their focus going into this less-publicized game.

Statistically, Penn State has a stronger defense, and their edge rushers, including Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher, will test MSU’s pass protection, which improved in the second half against Minnesota. The Spartans need to ensure Milivojevic has time in the pocket to avoid a repeat of past struggles.

Nick Marsh, MSU’s standout receiver, is also a key player to watch. While his numbers are solid, he has yet to break out in a game where he dominates despite defensive coverage. A strong performance from him could significantly impact Saturday’s outcome.

Anticipation builds for the crowd at Spartan Stadium. Even with the opening day of firearms hunting season, organizers expect around 50,000 fans will attend this mid-November matchup. The atmosphere will depend heavily on the Spartans’ performance early on, and a strong showing could boost support from the stands.

This matchup is set against the backdrop of MSU’s struggle to win a conference game since 2021. If the Nittany Lions come prepared, they might prove too challenging for MSU. However, the Spartans have surprised in past encounters, and a strong finish could provide the spark they need.

As excitement grows, Michigan State looks to make a statement against a storied opponent. The final prediction stands at Penn State 25, MSU 20.