5 takeaways from Penn State’s loss to Michigan State

Penn State never packed it in in some classic Big Ten weather at Michigan State, but the Nittany Lions ended their disappointing regular season on the losing end of a 30-27 final in East Lansing on Saturday. Penn State dug an early hole, battled back from it, and even held a lead thanks to a defensive score in the third quarter. But Penn State just didn’t have enough in the tank to hold off the Spartans in the regular-season finale

Here are five takeaways from Penn State’s fifth setback of the season.

Why did Penn State shy away from the passing game?

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The game plan for Penn State should have been pretty simple. Throw the football, throw the football, and throw the football. With receivers like Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington, each making big plays in the first half, at your disposal against the nation’s worst pass defense in the country (Michigan State entered the game 130th out of 130 FBS teams against the pass), this should have been as easy a gameplan to execute as they come.

So why did Penn State back away from it in the second half? Was it purely because of the snow? There were some times when it appeared the ball may have been a bit slippery for Sean Clifford, but there was no good reason to abandon the pass as much as Penn State did in key spots.

A season without a 100-yard rusher is unfathomable

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I have personally been harping on this storyline for a few weeks now, only because I find it absolutely incredible that Penn State managed to pull off this ridiculous feat. Penn State went a full 12-game regular season without recording one game with a player rushing for 100 yards. That is practically unheard of, yet it was very much the story of the season.

And that makes Penn State’s playcalling leaning more on the run in the second half even more perplexing against a Michigan State defense that was shredded by Purdue and Ohio State in recent weeks.

If I had to bet a $1 on it right now, I would count on Penn State having at least one game with a 100-yard rusher in 2022. This was just bizarre for a team with three preseason Doak Walker Award watch list players.

What was wrong with the red zone defense?

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Penn State’s defense in the red zone had been tough as nails all season long, but Michigan State didn’t get the memo. The Spartans scored two touchdowns in the red zone on their first two possessions and Michigan State left five red-zone trips with four touchdowns. No team has had that kind of success against Penn State inside the 20-yard line all season long.

The biggest of the red zone conversions for Michigan State came in the fourth quarter on a 4th-and-15 conversion from the 20-yard line to Jayden Reed for a key score. The touchdown extended Michigan State’s lead to 30-20 on a day when there was no kicker to rely on for the Spartans.

Things fall apart in the fourth quarter

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One of the consistent criticisms of James Franklin over the years has been the decision-making in the fourth quarter. It’s fair to add this one to the list for those keeping track of this trend. Penn State opted to run on 4th-and-1 from the Michigan State 16-yard line in a three-point game and was stuffed for no gain. On the next drive, instead of attempting any passes, Penn State handed off to Keyvone Lee three consecutive snaps and he fumbled on the third, leading to a decisive touchdown.

Penn State’s reluctance to make the biggest plays through the air against this defense was suspect and deserves some questioning.

At least the snow looked great

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A snow game in the Big Ten is always fun, and this game did pack plenty of entertainment for viewers. Penn State blended more and more into the scenery with their road white uniforms and the teams did go back and forth for stretches.

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