Kenneth Walker III, No. 12 Michigan State Hold off Jahan Dotson, Penn State 30-27

AP Photo/Al Goldis

Coming off two losses in their previous three games, the Michigan State Spartans got back on track in Saturday’s regular-season finale with a 30-27 victory over Penn State at Spartan Stadium. 

Michigan State entered November looking like a potential College Football Playoff contender with an 8-0 record. Things took a sharp turn with a loss to Purdue on Nov. 6, and the bottom dropped out with last week’s 56-7 defeat against Ohio State. 

The Nittany Lions entered this week also trying to right the ship after a rough stretch. They have lost five of their last seven games after a 5-0 start. The previous four losses came by a total of 18 points. 

Snowy weather certainly played a role in the game, especially for Penn State. The Nittany Lions were held to 61 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Kicker Jordan Stout missed his only field-goal attempt and one of his three extra-point opportunities. 

Kenneth Walker III had no problems finding openings in the snow. The Spartans running back finished with 138 rushing yards and one touchdown on 30 carries. 

Both quarterbacks had success throwing the ball. Penn State’s Sean Clifford racked up 313 yards and three touchdowns. Michigan State’s Payton Thorne finished with 268 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. 

Thorne’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed on 4th-and-15 with 5:10 remaining was the difference in the game. 

Penn State did get a late score from Parker Washington to cut the deficit to three points, but the onside kick was recovered by the Spartans to end the game. 

Notable Game Stats

• Payton Thorne (MSU): 19-of-30, 268 yards, 2 TD, INT; 8 carries, 39 yards, TD
• Kenneth Walker III (MSU): 30 carries, 138 yards, TD
• Jayden Reed (MSU): 6 receptions, 89 yards, TD
• Sean Clifford (PSU): 23-of-34, 313 yards, 3 TD
• Jahan Dotson (PSU): 8 receptions, 137 yards, 2 TD
• Keyvone Lee (PSU): 15 carries, 79 yards

What’s Next?

Penn State and Michigan State will learn which bowl game they will play in after the CFP field is announced Dec. 5.

This article will be updated to
provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

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