Despite dropping big games against Michigan and Ohio State, the Nittany Lions have been on a tear this season. After crushing Rutgers on the road last weekend, Penn State has outscored its opponents 130-24 over the last three weeks.

As a Senior Day contest against Michigan State approaches, there is a lot at stake. James Franklin’s squad is on the edge of its first 10-win season since 2019, and since the CFP rankings held Penn State in place at No. 11, Saturday’s bowl implications may be heavy.

Our staffers unanimously expect the Nittany Lions to take care of the Spartans and resume ownership of the Land-Grant Trophy.

Rico Gore (5-0): Penn State 31, Michigan State 17

Penn State is going to keep rolling, but it isn’t going to be as easy as it has been. Yes, Michigan State lost to Indiana. However, Michigan State always seems to be tougher game for Penn State. 

It is not going to be an easy win, but Penn State should still be able to secure its way to a New Year’s Six bowl. Don’t forget that this season isn’t over. This game is bigger than people may think it is! A 10-2 season is still impressive, my fellow Nittany Lions.

Mikey DeAngelis (8-3): Penn State 30, Michigan State 10

Penn State has been rolling the last couple of weeks, and I think it should handle Michigan State pretty easily. This Spartans team is much weaker than previous years. Michigan State is coming off a loss to Indiana, a team the Nittany Lions handled fairly easily. Since this game is at Beaver Stadium, I see no reason why Penn State shouldn’t win.

Nolan Wick (10-1): Penn State 35, Michigan State 14

I’m usually reluctant to predict a Penn State win against Michigan State. The Spartans always seem to be sneakily capable of pulling off an upset any given week, and James Franklin’s teams have fallen victim numerous times. However, Michigan State’s program is in shambles right now. Many of Michigan State’s starters have been suspended because of the incident in Michigan Stadium’s tunnel a few weeks ago, and the Spartans are 5-6 overall.

Aside from an upset win over Illinois, there isn’t much that leads me to believe the Spartans will take down the Nittany Lions. Penn State should continue playing good football, especially if some of its starters return from injuries. I think Penn State could struggle a bit, but I like what I’ve seen recently enough to predict a win and its first 10-win season since 2019.

Luke Brown (6-1): Penn State 31, Michigan State 13

In Sean Clifford’s final game at Beaver Stadium, it will be interesting to see how the emotions play out. A six-year rollercoaster ride is finally coming to an end. A lot can be said about Clifford’s play on the field, but this Thanksgiving weekend has me thinking a lot about all the good he has done throughout the last six years.

Let’s give Clifford a standing ovation when he trots back on the Beaver Stadium grass for one last time. It should be an easy one over a lesser Michigan State group. Could we see a Penn State Rose Bowl appearance?

Brendan Wagner (3-0): Penn State 24, Michigan State 17

Did someone say “trap game?” The Nittany Lions head into their last game of the regular season against Michigan’s little brother. Still, don’t mess with Sparty. Under a good coach, Michigan State is one win away from a bowl berth coming into this game. The Spartans will play hard, as they have everything to lose. Don’t overlook this matchup.

Adam Babetski (7-3): Penn State 37, Michigan State 17

Penn State will catch Michigan State by surprise coming out of the tunnel. Expect the Nittany Lions to dogpile the Spartans with several early touchdowns and put the game away before halftime. It’s time to re-tie the all-time record in this rivalry.

Frankie Marzano (9-2): Penn State 48, Michigan State 17

This recent run Penn State is on has been very interesting. I think the mood and morale within the program and surrounding the team is boosted compared to last season. I also think the Nittany Lions are tired of the disrespect from the CFP committee and want to make a New Year’s Six bowl. With that thought in mind, I think the Nittany Lions will try to eviscerate Michigan State so they can land in a coveted New Year’s Six bowl.

Sam Fremin (10-1): Penn State 33, Michigan State 9

From the beginning, I have had more faith in this Nittany Lion team than most. On the back of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen’s one-two punch, as well as a pleasant performance to send off starting quarterback Sean Clifford, Penn State will comfortably take care of business and secure an elusive 10-win season.

Ryan Parsons (8-3): Penn State 37, Michigan State 13

Michigan State has seven players facing criminal charges. The Land-Grant Trophy is coming home, baby.

Gabe Angieri (11-0): Penn State 34, Michigan State 13

Penn State will welcome the Land-Grant Trophy home with ease, folks.