Penn State – Michigan State: Tuesday Roundup
No. 6 Penn State travels to Michigan State looking to reclaim the Land Grant Trophy following an electric 28-21 victory over Michigan. Penn State holds a 7-0 record for the fifth time since joining the Big Ten in 1993. The Nittany Lions hold their highest ranking since reaching No. 2 during the 2017 season. Here's what we learned from Tuesday's press conference with head coach James Franklin, wide receiver Dan Chisena and cornerback John Reid.
Land Grant Matchup
Saturday will mark the 24thLand Grant Trophy game between Penn State and Michigan State. With the attention focused on the road ahead, head coach James Franklin addressed the media about Mark Dantonio's program.
"A lot of respect for Coach Dantonio, the winningest coach in their program's history," Franklin stated. "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. Obviously going on the road, it's a tough place to play and we're looking forward to the opportunity."
Michigan State is led offensively by senior quarterback Brian Lewerke who has thrown for 11 touchdowns while averaging 228.0 yards per game. Michigan State's offense has struggled this season ranking 12thin the Big Ten in rushing offense and scoring offense, while also ranking 11thin total offense. "They are a zone-read team, they are a stretch team and they are a power team. Guys that we're impressed with are Brian Lewerke, who has had some of his best games against us," Franklin said during his weekly press conference. "Cody White and Darrell Stewart, both wide receivers that are doing some really good things for them."
Cornerback John Reid also discussed Michigan State's Brian Lewerke during Tuesday's press conference: "He knows he has a good ability to be able to extend plays and I think what's even more important about how he does it is he extends plays but then doesn't make a lot of bad decisions when he does it. That's really a credit to how good of a quarterback he is."
The Spartan defense ranks 22ndin FBS allowing 314.3 yards per game while also limiting opponents to 117.7 yards per game on the ground. "They are a four-down front. They will play a combination of different two-high coverages, quarters, quarter-quarter-half, Cover 2 and then a mix of one high which is some of their pressure looks," Franklin added. "We're impressed with their defensive end, [Kenny] Willekes, has been a pretty good player for them, No. 35 [Joe] Bachie, and then Raequan Williams, No. 99. It seems like those guys have been playing there forever."
Offensive Line
Over the course of the past couple weeks, head coach James Franklin has expressed the success of his offensive line. "I think the expanded diversity in our running game over the last two years and a little bit more this year, I think that's helped us," Franklin stated. "Most importantly, it's the guys. When you've got guys like Gonzo [Steven Gonzalez] and you've got guys like [Michal] Menet, and you've got guys like [Will] Fries that have played a lot of football for you, and them taking those other guys under their wing, I think that's been a big part of it, as well.So very pleased with that group overall, but we've still got work to do."
Successful small failures
One of the more interesting perspectives from Tuesday's media availability was hearing head coach James Franklin talk about the small successes inside his programs offensive game plans.
"Obviously we want to score every drive, and trust me, I know the fans want us to score every drive," Franklin stated. "With the style of [offense] that we're playing right now, it's a win if the play ends with a kick. That's something that I've always talked about in my 24 years of doing this as an offensive coordinator. You want to be kicking an extra point after a touchdown. You want to be kicking a field goal for points, or you want to be punting. Because if you don't turn the ball over, which is one of the better things we're doing right now and one of the better things we've done all year long, with the style of defense we're playing, we still have a chance to win the game. At the end of the day, you want to score 50 points a game but there is definitely wins when you can at the very worst punt people deep into their own territory." A small perspective that carries a lot of weight within the Penn State football program.
Game Information
No. 6 Penn State takes flight for third road game of the season. The Nittany Lions have beaten back-to-back AP Top 25 opponents and are on of 10 remaining undefeated teams in FBS. The game can be found on ABC or on the Penn State Sports Network. Check out GoPSUsports.com following the game for exclusive interviews and more.
