Penn State and Michigan State have six combined victories between them.

Both Big Ten teams are 3-6 and winless in conference play.

The Spartans were not expected to challenge for the college football playoff after going 5-7 in 2024.

Penn State was considered a national championship contender at the start of the season.

Two teams in desperate need of a win. One will be 0-7 in the Big Ten play after the programs meet Saturday in East Lansing.

Here are some X factors.

Koby Howard. Good things happen when PSU quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer throws the ball in the direction of Howard, a true freshman wideout.

Howard has caught all four of his targets in the last three games. Two of his catches were explosive plays, gains of 26 and 22 yards.

Lions head coach Terry Smith said Monday he wa

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