Penn State Nittany Lions

Will Penn State attack Michigan State where Ohio State did not?

Published Nov. 27, 2015 9:15 a.m. ET

Marcus Hartman

Ezekiel Elliott's comments about not getting enough carries made the most headlines from Michigan State's win over Ohio State last weekend, but that might have obscured a bigger story.

The Spartans' 17-14 upset also featured by far the best day of the year for an MSU secondary that has struggled due to attrition and injuries for most of the season.

MSU gave up more than 300 yards passing in each of its first two games, again in late October during a win over Indiana and in a Nov. 7 loss to Nebraska.

Ohio State only managed 46 yards through the air, a total partially impacted by the inclement weather in Columbus for part of the game but still surprisingly low. For perspective, option-based Air Force threw for 149 yards, and the next-worst output of the year was Purdue's 136 on Oct. 3.

The Buckeyes only attempted 16 passes, but what can MSU expect this week from Penn State?

The Nittany Lions have some pieces perceived to be NFL-caliber -- starting with quarterback Christian Hackenberg -- but they have not produced corresponding results through 11 games.

Penn State is 90th nationally in passing yards, and Hackenberg is 10th in the Big Ten in pass efficiency.

Receiver Chris Godwin has had a breakout season, catching 52 passes for 859 yards, while sophomore DaeSean Hamilton has 32 catches for 431 yards.

Pass protection has been a major issue for the Nittany Lions, whose 37 sacks allowed are 12 more than anyone else in the Big Ten. Only four teams in the country have allowed more.

Michigan State ranks 22nd nationally with 30 sacks, but the Spartans are 67th and 68th in passing yards allowed and opponents' passing efficiency, respectively.

Their aggressive style has served them well over the past few seasons, but it also opens the door to big plays being allowed.

Penn State receiver Geno Lewis told reporters in State College the Nittany Lions look forward to the challenge MSU presents.

"They're coming off a good win," Lewis said. "You know, we want to come out there and make some plays.

"I'm confident in the receiving corps that we have and all the guys that's in our room, and you know, we're just going to go out there and try to take advantage."

Michigan State will counter with a secondary that includes two starting safeties from the state of Pennsylvania -- Demetrious Cox (Jeannette) and Montae Nicholson (Monroeville Gateway).

"This is their game to measure up," Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said. "This is the game that is their Ohio State game or Michigan game if they're from that state... the great State of Pennsylvania.

"So that's going to be very exciting for them. As far as where they're at as football players, I think they're talented players that could have gone anywhere in the country, pretty much, as players. Both of them have shock, explosive players with great ball skills."