Michigan State defeats Penn State, 34-10

The No. 10 Michigan State Spartans went into Beaver stadium and took care of Penn State in their regular season finale. The Spartans made it look easy, defeating the Nittany Lions, 34-10, improving their record to 10-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play.

Sparty wasted no time getting on the board; Sophomore R.J. Shelton took back a 90-yard touchdown to start the game and give the Spartans an early lead, they’d never lose.

Michigan State’s record setting offense did not have its usual rhythm in the first half, Saturday afternoon, scoring just 13 points. The second half was more of the same; they were able to put 14 additional points on the board to secure their lead and the victory.  While the offense was more in tune in the second half, it was not the same Spartan offense we have seen all year.

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Despite their win, Connor Cook was not his usual self, he was pressured early and had trouble linking up with his receivers. He finished the game just 13/25 for 180 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Their stingy defense did show up, holding Penn State to 233 total yards. The defense was also able to limit Penn State quarterback, Christian Hackenberg, as he finished the game 21/44 for 195 yards, an interception and being sacked four times. Running the ball did not come easy to Penn State either. Michigan State allowed just 38 total rushing yards.

For the second consecutive week receiver Tony Lippett showed he can be effective on both sides of the ball. Lippett four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. He was played good man coverage when lined up at cornerback.

Running back Jeremy Langford set a school record and rushed for his ninth consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 118 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns. It was not an easy accomplishment for Langford as he went against the strong Nittany Lions front seven, who leads the nation in opponents rushing yards per game at 81.7.

With the road win, Michigan State improves to 23-9 in Big Ten road games under Mark Dantonio and extends the schools road game winning streak to ten games against Big Ten opponents.

The win secures the Spartans fourth 10 win season in the past five years and earns them a Big Ten trophy, the Land Grant Trophy.

Fun facts:

• The 27 points marks just the third time all season Michigan State has been held under thirty points.
• Michigan State set school records for most points (517), total offense (5961) and offensive touchdowns (64).
• The two rushing touchdown by Langford also set a school record.