Penn State and Michigan State both started the season 3-0, but that must feel like a distant memory.
The Nittany Lions and Spartans each hope to halt a six-game losing streak Saturday afternoon when they square off in a Big Ten matchup in University Park, Pa.
Penn State (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten) has endured a nightmare of a season. Not only is the team winless in its last six games, but that stretch has included the firing of coach James Franklin, the loss of quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending ankle injury, and, most recently, a heartbreaking 27-24 defeat against then-No. 2 Indiana on Saturday.
The Nittany Lions were poised to beat the Hoosiers before allowing a touchdown — on a contested pass and a sensational toe-tapping catch by Omar Cooper Jr. — with 36 seconds left. Still, Penn State interim coach Terry Smith said he was pleased with the way his squad hung in against one of the nation’s best teams.
“Our guys are playing a little bit faster and a little bit looser,” Smith said. “You saw that on Saturday. They got after it. They were having fun.”
Nicholas Singleton, who had two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score against Indiana, certainly will be a focal point of the Michigan State defense.
The Spartans (3-6, 0-6) outgained Minnesota 467-301 on Nov. 1 in their most recent game but lost 23-20 in overtime.
Following a bye week, Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith was not ready to reveal his plans at quarterback for the Penn State game.
Alessio Milivojevic made his first career start against the Golden Gophers and went 20 of 28 for 311 yards and a touchdown. Benched incumbent Aidan Chiles has thrown for 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns against three interceptions this year, although the bulk of that success came in the first four games.
“Both those guys’ skill sets present some positive things, so we’re gonna let that play out again this week,” Smith said.
The Spartans and Nittany Lions both need to win their final three games to become bowl-eligible. Penn State has won four of the last five matchups between the schools.
