Penn State Football: Spartans send Nittany Lions’ season down the drain

Penn State football went from being a College Football Playoff to two-straight losses and virtually no chance at a Big Ten title. That’s going to sting.

There are better days ahead for the Penn State offense. After racking up impressive yardage totals against Ohio State in a losing effort the Nittany Lions were unable to get much going against a troubled Michigan State squad at home in Week 7. The Spartans had dropped games to Arizona State and Northwestern, but still had plenty of defensive firepower — something Penn State learned first hand.

The Nittany Lions were only able to muster 17 points, somewhat surprising after they dropped 26 on Ohio State in Week 6. Penn State held Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke in check for the majority of the game, but it was his final pass that proved to be the difference-making throw. He hit Felton Davis for a 25-yard touchdown, effectively ruining a Penn State season that had national championship aspirations two weeks ago.

Penn State offense was virtually nonexistent outside of running back Miles Sanders. He carried the load, rushing for 162 yards on 17 carries, highlighted by an impressive 48-yard touchdown in the second quarter against on one of the toughest rushing defenses in the nation. That was the defining play of an otherwise pedestrian offensive performance for the Nittany Lions, who were held to three points after halftime.

The loss drops Penn State to 4-2. A 10-win season is still in play, but given the aspirations of this team entering the year, the rest of the season is going to feel hollow. Once again, Penn State came close to greatness and was unable to get it done in the most important moments. The Nittany Lions are good but remain on the hunt for the missing ingredient to become great.