This week, the Penn State Nittany Lions will have a game on Black Friday, against the Michigan State Spartans. The game will be held at Ford Field, and it is also the final regular season game of the 2023 season. The Nittany Lions are 9-2 while the Spartans are 4-7. Here is everything to watch for in this Big Ten matchup.
What to Watch for
Instead of the game being played at Spartan Stadium, this will be at a neutral site. It will be played at Ford Field, for a night game. On the one hand, neutral sites take away from the home-field advantage that college football games strive for, but it is the day after Thanksgiving, and many students may be away. This could still help Penn State, as they are expected to be well-represented.
Penn State QBs Drew Allar (15) and Beau Pribula (9) – Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
During Saturday’s game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, quarterback Drew Allar exited the game with an injury to his arm. He did not play the remainder of the game, and Beau Pribula had to finish the matchup. On Monday, head coach, James Franklin, did state that he expects Allar to be ready to go for Friday’s game. His health will be something to watch, as the passing game does rely on him. The team also sometimes puts Pribula in for some plays, maybe that is something fans will see this week.
This is a game that the Nittany Lions’ defense can dominate in. They have had quarterback issues, and the defensive line may be able to put up a ton of pressure. Michigan State does not have the best passing game, but not a bad run game. Penn State does a strong job at stopping the run though. This gives a big edge to the Nittany Lions.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen (13) – AP Photo/Barry Reeger
Penn State Players to Watch
Kaytron Allen
Running back Kaytron Allen has been closing out the season on a high note. He had a slower start, especially with Nicholas Singleton originally getting the brunt of the snaps, but the momentum is there for him. This season, Allen has had 147 carries for 714 yards and six touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He also has had 11 receptions for 64 yards. He will definitely be a player to watch this weekend.
Chop Robinson
After missing some time with an injury, sustained during the Ohio State game, Chop Robinson is looking more like the dominant player that fans know he is. This season, Robinson has had 14 combined tackles, 12 solo, and seven tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. On top of that, he has had four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He will be a player to watch this weekend as the defense is expected to have a big game.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Wide receiver, KeAndre Lambert-Smith did not have a single reception last weekend against Rutgers. Many questioned if he was even there. When Allar exited the game, the team really only ran the ball. This means this week, with Allar expected to return, Lambert-Smith will be a player to watch for. This season, Lambert-Smith has had 52 receptions for 651 yards and four touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Watch for him to possibly end the season on a high note.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren (44) – AP Photo/Barry Reeger
Game Predictions
This week, the Penn State Nittany Lions will get back to their high-scoring selves. The prediction for this game is 37-6, with the Nittany Lions taking the lead. Pulling starters could give Michigan State some more points, but in the end, Penn State will get the win, ending the season with a 10-2 record.
