The Spartans have upset Penn State the past two seasons. It hasn't mattered the location, conditions, weather or game situation, Mark Dantonio's program has been a thorn in James Franklin's side.

For Franklin and the No. 6 Nittany Lions, another chance at redemption makes their trip to Spartan Stadium this Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC) more exciting.

"Obviously a lot of respect for their program. A lot of respect for Coach Dantonio, the winningest coach in their program's history," Franklin said during his Tuesday press conference. "Been there for 13 years and obviously has a level of consistency that's impressive."

After a three hour rain delay, No. 15 Michigan State completed its 27-24 upset over No. 8 Penn State in 2017 with a game-winning Matt Coghlin field goal. Last season, MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke led the Spartans down the field and into the end zone, connecting a 25-yard touchdown pass to Felton Davis III with less than 30 seconds left to pull off a 21-17 upset.

Against high-powered Penn State offenses, featuring the likes of star running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley, and vastly improved defensive units, Michigan State has been able to overcome its higher-ranked opponent with impressive passing numbers and late defensive stands.

In 2017, Lewerke threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns against the Nittany Lions en route to the Spartans' upset wins. Some pieces from that win, including Lewerke, have stuck around to play in the newest edition of this Big Ten rivalry.

"They are a zone-read team. They are a stretch team. They are a power team," Franklin said. "Guys that we're impressed with are Brian Lewerke, who has had some of his best games against us. Cody White and Darrell Stewart, both wide receivers that are doing some really good things for them."

Penn State, however, may be catching Michigan State's offense at a good time as that unit has scored just 17 points against the three ranked opponents the Spartans have faced this season.

In 2017, MSU's defense held Barkley to only 63 yards on 14 carries. And last year, the Spartan defense surrendered just three points in the second half, to give the offensive unit a chance at a comeback.

"Defensively, between Coach (Mike) Tressel and Coach (Mark) Dantonio, one of the better defenses in the country," Franklin said. "I can speak for the six years that we've been here, very consistent in terms of how they play defense at Michigan State and do it at a very, very high level.

"Impressed with their defensive end, No. 48, (Kenny) Willekes, has been a pretty good player for them, No. 35 (Joe) Bachie, and then Raequan Williams, No. 99. Seems like those guys have been playing there forever."

The Spartans have surrendered 30 or more points and three consecutive games and will now have to attempt to shut down one of the most explosive players in college football, wideout KJ Hamler.

Out of Penn State's five regular season losses over the past two seasons, two of them have come at the hands of the Spartans. The Battle for the Land Grant Trophy has always been an interest and as big as the trophy itself. And Saturday's matchup in East Lansing proves to be no different.

"Probably one of the teams that is returning the most starters up there in our conference, in terms of the number of starters coming back, nine on offense, eight on defense and two on special teams," Franklin said. "Obviously going on the road, tough place to play and looking forward to the opportunity."