Freshman offensive guard Kevin Jarvis (75) and redshirt freshman offensive tackle Luke Campbell (62) block for a run play during the game against Penn State, on Nov. 4, 2017, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions, 27-24.
The Land-Grant Trophy is back in East Lansing, as the No. 24 Spartans beat the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24.
The Nittany Lions led the Spartans 14-7, up until a three and a half hour weather delay took place a third of the way into the second quarter. After the weather delay, the Spartans would score thanks to a 33-yard touchdown pass from Brian Lewerke to Felton Davis III.
Mark Hollis said during halftime there wasn’t any talks about postponing the game to a later date when talking with Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour, MSU Deputy Athletic Director Greg Ianni and MSU’s police department.
“All indications had it where we could play today,” Hollis said. “We thought 5:30 (p.m.) would be the latest, but when the last front came through and took a dip to the south a lil bit, it just let us get out here earlier.”
Halftime allowed the Spartans to make adjustments to take the lead because of a three-yard touchdown run by LJ Scott.
After Penn State took the lead late in the third quarter, the Spartans would tie it up in the fourth quarter and then get the lead back with 4 seconds left in the game, thanks to back-to-back field goals by Matt Coghlin.
Here are some other quick takeaways from Saturday’s win against No. 7 Penn State.
Davis III has career day
What seems like a commonality, another MSU wide receiver had a career day as Davis III brought in 12 receptions for 181 receiving yards and a touchdown. The 181 receiving yards is a career high for Davis III, and makes it the second straight week a MSU receiver had a career day, with both Cody White and Darrell Stewart Jr. having career days at Northwestern last Saturday.
Spartan secondary shows vulnerability, again
The Spartans game against the Nittany Lions was the second straight week the Spartan secondary was exposed. Although the Spartans secondary picked off Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley three times, McSorley still threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns.
MSU and Penn State run games a non-factor
Both running attacks were limited to under 100 yards each, with the Nittany Lions raking in 65 rushing yards and MSU running for 74 yards.
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