MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer vs. Penn State pass defense
Hoyer’s first career start came against Penn State in last season’s final game, and he said he still remembers a lot about its defense. He is coming off his best game of the season, but Hoyer’s success Saturday will be in the hands of his offensive linemen. They’ll be facing a Penn State pass rush that is ranked second nationally in sacks. Last week, the MSU offensive line gave Hoyer time to find creases and open receivers, but that will prove to be more challenging this week. Riding high on confidence and with one game against Penn State already under his belt, Hoyer should come out on top.
Edge: MSU
Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli vs. MSU pass defense
Morelli has been unimpressive this season, ranking seventh in the Big Ten in passing yards per game and sixth in pass efficiency. He really does not have a go-to man. He spreads the ball out evenly, and three different Nittany Lions have at least 40 receptions. MSU’s secondary has been under fire recently, but it should be able to do a sufficient job. The Spartans will bend, but they won’t break.
Edge: Even
MSU running backs vs. Penn State run defense
Think back one month ago when Ohio State threw the breaks on MSU’s running game. They held both junior running back Javon Ringer and senior running back Jehuu Caulcrick to season lows. Don’t expect anything different from Penn State. It’s tied with Ohio State for the fourth best rush defense in the country, holding opponents to an average of 82.7 yards per game.
Edge: Penn State
Penn State running backs vs. MSU run defense
The Spartans have done a nice job at containing the run during the last two games, and Penn State’s running game is nothing to brag about. Penn State’s rush attack is headed by 5-foot-9, 201-pound Rodney Kinlaw. Kinlaw has only posted four 100-yard games on the season and ranks fifth in the conference in rushing average per game. While the MSU run defense got gashed multiple times this season, it appears they’re tightening the screws and are on the right track.
Edge: Even
MSU wide receiver Devin Thomas vs. Penn State cornerback Justin King
Thomas is one pass reception away from breaking Charles Rogers’ record of 68 single-season catches, and he’ll battle with one of the best cornerbacks in the conference to get it. King ranks best in the Big Ten with 17 passes defended.
Thomas ranks second in the conference in receiving yards per game and third in receptions. Something’s gotta give.
Edge: Even
—Compiled by Jon Schultz
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