The most prestigious trophy in college football is up for grabs Saturday afternoon, folks. Penn State football (2-5) will host Michigan State (2-4) at Beaver Stadium in a battle for the Land-Grant Trophy.

The Nittany Lions come into this game with some momentum after beating Michigan and Rutgers in back-to-back weeks. The Spartans, on the other hand, are coming off a 52-12 loss to Ohio State and are trying to get back on track.

Our staff believes Penn State will defend the Land-Grant Trophy and win its third consecutive game to end the regular season.

Frankie Marzano (3-4): Penn State 31, Michigan State 17

Penn State has the momentum going into this game after winning two games in a row. Michigan State’s defense has struggled in the last few weeks, while the Nittany Lions have improved drastically on the defensive side of the ball.

Even though they don’t want to admit it, playing to keep the greatest trophy in all of sports will provide a little extra motivation for the Nittany Lions this weekend. Penn State will protect the Land-Grant Trophy and continue its winning streak.

Connor Donohue (3-4): Penn State 27, Michigan State 13

The battle for the Land-Grant Trophy is a date that should be circled on the annual college football calendar. The Picasso-like piece of art that weighs 76.2 pounds should have more value than the College Football Playoff trophy, but that’s a truth society isn’t ready to accept yet.

As for the game itself, it’s another case of two bad teams going at it in a game of hard nose, Big Ten football. Last week, Penn State went up against the worst defense in the conference. Now, it will match up with the worst offense. The Spartans sit at the bottom of the conference in points per game with only 17. It’s not shocking considering starting quarterback Rocky Lombardi has more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (eight) this season.

Penn State has the momentum after two straight wins and its defense played lights out last weekend. Michigan State will have trouble scoring, and Penn State will put together enough offense to retain the Land-Grant Trophy.

Matt Rudisill (3-4): Penn State 31, Michigan State 17

Michigan State lost to Rutgers by double digits this season, folks. With that said, the Land-Grant Trophy will remain in Happy Valley for sure.

Jordan Mansberger (1-0): Penn State 17, Michigan State 10

For me, this really comes down to which quarterback, Rocky Lombardi (all-time football name) or Sean Clifford, will be better. We’ve seen both really struggle this season at times. Ultimately, I feel like Penn State’s pass rush will be able to help lock this one down, and the Nittany Lions will end the regular season with a win.

Samuel Brungo (3-4): Penn State 31, Michigan State 22

Penn State’s run game is picking up rapidly, its defense is starting to find its groove, and kickers are hitting their kicks. If the offensive line can protect Sean Clifford and the passing game looks more similar to the first half of the season, the Nittany Lions will keep their win streak going into the unknown week nine matchup. Let’s keep it rolling. State by nine.

Connor Krause (1-6): Penn State 24, Michigan State 7

In Penn State’s first game back at Beaver Stadium after a two-game road stretch, I expect the Nittany Lions to take care of the Spartans in dominant fashion.

Over the past two weeks, Penn State has given up a total of 491 yards, which is less than the 521 yards allowed by Michigan State against the Buckeyes a week ago. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans rank last in the Big Ten in total offense, which should propel Brent Pry’s unit to a near-shutout performance. Penn State will win big in the team’s most complete effort of the season.

Gabe Angieri (3-4): Penn State 24, Michigan State 9

A bit naive? Maybe. But I think Penn State wins this one and defends the Land-Grant Trophy with ease.

The Nittany Lions are riding a two-game winning streak after starting the season 0-5. Penn State has gotten improved play on the defensive side of the ball and has relied on a dominant running game offensively. I think both of those things continue when the Spartans come to town Saturday afternoon.

Michigan State has the worst offense in the Big Ten, and its defense is far from perfect. The Nittany Lions will extend their winning streak to three games heading into their week nine matchup.

Ryan Parsons (2-5): Penn State 30, Michigan State 21

The Land-Grant Trophy isn’t going anywhere, baby! Penn State football is on a roll and I fully expect things to continue against Michigan State. Things are finally clicking defensively and the offense is developing a gritty identity off of the run game. Things might be close, as they always are with Sparty, but I predict the Nittany Lions will emerge from Beaver Stadium with a three-game win streak.

Will Pegler (3-4): Penn State 30, Michigan State 7

I see the Nittany Lions blowing out the Spartans on Senior Day. Michigan State’s offense is really bad, and with the way Penn State’s defense has played in the last few weeks, I expect Brent Pry’s unit to have another great performance. In fact, why not throw in a defensive touchdown for the Nittany Lions? Joey Porter Jr. has been solid as of late, so I’ll predict a pick-six for the young defensive back.

As for Penn State’s offense, I see a continued solid run game to carry the load. Devyn Ford and Keyvone Lee will both score touchdowns, and the Nittany Lions will play some gritty football to get a victory and move to 3-5 on the year.

Matt DiSanto (4-3): Penn State 27, Michigan State 20

Nothing — not even having a terrible season — will stop Penn State from defending the Land-Grant Trophy. The Nittany Lions finally have something to play for.