John Kerr's match-high 21 kills were not enough to beat the Trojans in Los Angeles.
The Nittany Lions coughed up a 23-point lead in the final road game of the regular season.
Back in the Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State won its second straight game behind 23 points from Ace Baldwin Jr.
"We've all got that one thing in common of just wanting to stand and celebrate."
Michigan State completed the season sweep over the Nittany Lions despite 30 combined points from Hicks and Baldwin.
