First Look: Penn State Vs. Michigan State

The Lions look to cap a 10-2 regular season against the unpredictable Spartans.

Perhaps the Land Grant Trophy can help brighten the finish of the 2023 Penn State football season. The Nittany Lions close their regular-season campaign with a Friday-night visit to Detroit to play Michigan State.

This game, rescheduled in May, marks Penn State's first appearance at the home of the Detroit Lions. It's part of a four-day football fest that begins with Green Bay-Detroit on Thanksgiving and ends with two days of the Michigan high school football championships. Here's our first look at Penn State-Michigan State, whose winner will get a bonus season with the Land Grant Trophy (the teams next meet in 2025).

Penn State (9-2) vs. Michigan State (4-7)

When: 7:30 p.m. ET Friday

Where: Ford Field, Detroit

TV: NBC

Streaming: FuboTV (start your free trial)

Betting Line: Penn State is a 20-point favorite, per DraftKings

Series History: The teams are tied 18-18-1

Last Meeting: Penn State 35-16 in 2022

About the Lions: What happens now at quarterback? Though coach James Franklin said he didn't expect Drew Allar's injury to be "significant," the Lions must turn around quickly on a short week of preparation. That will force Franklin's hand about which quarterback to ready for the start. Beau Pribula replaced Allar in a 27-6 win over Rutgers, leading the team in rushing but throwing just once. Franklin said that Pribula diversified the run game by providing a legitimate threat in the zone-read game. But Penn State also was comfortable playing Pribula to protect a lead instead of running a full offense. Pribula has played nine games but has thrown just 18 passes, five of those against Delaware. Still, Pribula is a confidence quarterback; teammates said he didn't flinch upon entering the huddle in the third quarter. He'll be primed for his first Big Ten start, should Franklin make that call.

About the Spartans: Michigan State is ready to get this season over with and start fresh under a new coach. And yet, the Spartans showed some spirit in its Old Brass Spittoon rivalry game against Indiana, scoring a late touchdown to win 24-21. Quarterback Katin Houser hit 6-6 tight end Maliq Carr for a 36-yard touchdown in the final minutes to life Michigan State out of the Big Ten East basement. The Spartans are unpredictable, winning two of their last three after a six-game midseason losing streak. Michigan and Ohio State outscored the Spartans by a combined total of 87-3, but they have shown some fight in wins over Nebraska and Indiana. Michigan State ranks last in the Big Ten in scoring offense, but Carr and receiver Montorie Foster breathed life into the Spartans this past weekend.

More Penn State Football

The Penn State-Rutgers report card

Penn State 27, Rutgers 6: The breakdown from Beaver Stadium

For James Franklin, a postgame moment to savor

Penn State diversifies its run game with Beau Pribula

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar leaves Rutgers game with injury

How Penn State's offense will operate without Mike Yurcich

What we know about Penn State's offensive coordinator search

Potential candidates for Penn State's next offensive coordinator

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.