Sparty Stuns Lions, 27-24

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Any fleeting hopes Penn State had for a Big 10 title and a national title game appearance ended with another stunning fourth quarter loss, this one Saturday at Michigan State. The Spartans came from behind and won on the game’s final play, a 34-yard field goal from Michael Geiger, the final score 27-24 Michigan State.

The loss followed Penn State’s 39-38 last quarter collapse the previous Saturday at Ohio State. It dropped the Nittany Lions’ record to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the Big 10. Michigan State moved into the Big 10 East race with the win, the Spartans now 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play; they will visit Ohio State next Saturday. The Buckeyes are now 7-2 overall and 5-1 in league play after losing on the road at Iowa, a 55-24 Hawkeye thrashing.

Penn State got 381 yards passing and three touchdown throws from Trace McSorley but he was intercepted three times while Michigan State did not commit a turnover on a wet field in a game delayed for several hours because of severe weather. The Spartans held PSU running back Saquon Barkley in check, 63 yards rushing on 14 carries and no touchdowns.

The Nittany Lions went 1-2 in a difficult three-game gauntlet after starting the year 6-0. Penn State downed Michigan at home by a 42-13 score, followed by the 1-point loss at Ohio State and the 3-point loss at Michigan State.

Penn State returns home next Saturday, Nov. 11, a 12 noon start against Rutgers.