In this year’s battle for the Land Grant Trophy, a Penn State team that’s recovering from a nasty flu outbreak faces a Michigan State team that is in the middle of one today at 3:30.
The Nittany Lions are looking to finish the regular-season with at least eight wins for the fifth time in six years, while a depleted Spartans squad looks to keep its Rose Bowl dreams alive.
Penn State overcame sickness to score 21 points in the second half on its way to a 28-0 win over Rutgers last week. Michigan State got bludgeoned in Columbus last Saturday, losing 56-7 to Ohio State.
The Nittany Lions are currently 5.5-point favorites, according to Caesars Sportsbook. It’s a tight line fitting for a tight rivalry. The teams are tied 17-17-1 through 35 meetings.
The rivalry has remained a roller coaster in the James Franklin era. The Spartans won four of their first five games against Franklin, but the Nittany Lions have fought back to win the last two. Last year, Penn State beat Sparty 39-24 behind an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown by Jahan Dotson and two receiving touchdowns from Parker Washington.
For Nittany Lion fans who won’t be traveling to East Lansing, here are the watching/listening options.
TV Channell: ABC
TV Crew: Sean McDonough (PXP), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Molly McGrath (sideline)
Radio Crew: Steve Jones (PXP) Jack Ham (analyst) Brian Tripp (sideline)
Local channel: Penn State Football Radio affiliates
Sirius XM: Channell 386
Update: The line for Penn State and Michigan State is now Penn State -5.5
