Penn State came into this season with realistic Big Ten and national championship aspirations and will end it playing Michigan State Black Friday.
Those expectations took a hit Oct. 21 in Columbus when the team lost to Ohio State and fully died when it lost to Michigan at home three weeks later.
But Penn State still has work to get done, and the best thing it could do for itself would be to beat Michigan State— ideally by a lot—, reach double-digit wins and put itself in prime position to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game for the second straight season and fourth time since 2016.
Penn State seems to have every possible advantage going into this one. For starters, although Penn State’s playing a road game, it won’t be in the freezing cold of East Lansing but rather the cozy, indoor environment of Detroit’s Ford Field. Michigan State is also 4-7 which means that A. Penn State had the better team and B. There’s a good chance Penn State fans will have a big presence at Ford Field.
There’s also a good chance Penn State has its starting QB.
Drew Allar had to leave last Saturday’s win over Rutgers at Beaver Stadium with an injury, but James Franklin told reporters at his weekly presser Monday and then at his post-practice availability the next evening that Allar’s expected to play.
Penn State is a three touchdown favorite. Penn State fans who won’t be making the trip to Michigan, here’s how to watch and listen to the game.
Kickoff time: 7:30
TV: NBC
TV announcers: Noah Eagle (PXP), Todd Blackledge (color), Kathryn Tappen (sideline)
Raido: Penn State Football Radio Affiliates
Radio announcers: Steve Jones (PXP), Jack Ham (color), Brian Tripp (sideline)
