Quick Read
- Penn State defeated Michigan State 28-10, snapping a six-game losing streak.
- Kaytron Allen rushed for a career-high 181 yards and two touchdowns.
- Ethan Grunkemeyer threw two touchdown passes to Devonte Ross.
- Michigan State played without starting quarterback Aidan Chiles due to injury.
- Penn State must win its final two games to become bowl eligible.
Penn State Shakes Off Frustration with Much-Needed Win
In East Lansing on Saturday, Penn State found relief and momentum, defeating Michigan State 28-10 in a matchup that shifted the mood for both teams. The win marked the end of a six-game losing streak for the Nittany Lions, who had struggled to find rhythm and consistency throughout much of the 2025 college football season. For Michigan State, the loss was a somber sendoff for seniors and extended their own losing streak to seven games, leaving fans and players searching for answers as the season nears its end.
Key Plays and Standout Performances Define the Game
Penn State’s offense came alive behind quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who completed 8 of 13 passes for 127 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Devonte Ross. Running back Kaytron Allen delivered his best performance yet, rushing for a career-high 181 yards and two touchdowns. The combination of Grunkemeyer’s efficiency and Allen’s explosive running set the tone early and kept Michigan State’s defense on its heels.
The game started with a bang for Michigan State, as Elijah Tau-Tolliver broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run on the Spartans’ first play. Penn State answered immediately, with Allen scoring on an 8-yard run to tie the game. After Michigan State added a field goal, Grunkemeyer connected with Ross for a 75-yard touchdown that put the Nittany Lions ahead. The final blow came late in the fourth quarter, when Grunkemeyer found Ross again for a 4-yard touchdown, and Allen sealed the win with a 26-yard scoring run.
Missing Leaders and Missed Opportunities
Michigan State played without starting quarterback Aidan Chiles, whose absence was notable as he watched from the sidelines in a walking boot. Backup Alessio Milivojevic managed 128 yards on 17-of-27 passing, but the Spartans’ offense failed to capitalize in key moments. This has been a recurring theme, with the team losing early leads for the fourth straight game and unable to break their winless streak in Big Ten conference play.
Coach Jonathan Smith acknowledged Penn State’s defensive strength and his own team’s missed chances. “They earned that win beating us. They are good on defense. And we did think though, we had to create a couple opportunities situationally to take a shot, and we just did not capitalize a couple of times,” Smith said after the game, as reported by WWMT.
What This Win Means for Penn State
Interim head coach Terry Smith expressed palpable relief and optimism after the victory. “I’m just super happy for our kids. I’m super happy for our program. I’m super happy for our fans and our following. We deserved this game. We now know again what it feels like to win, and we just got to build on this with momentum,” Smith told Associated Press.
Wide receiver Devonte Ross echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the team’s performance reminded them of their potential: “We know what we’re about. We know what this team is about, so just finally getting that win just showcased that, and we all played amazing today.”
With the win, Penn State improved to 4-6 overall (1-6 Big Ten), keeping slim hopes alive for bowl eligibility. The team must win its final two games, including a primetime showdown against Nebraska, to reach the six-win threshold required for postseason play, according to Nittany Lions Wire.
A Season Defined by Adversity and Opportunity
Michigan State, now 3-7 and winless in conference play, faces a difficult road ahead. The absence of key players and recurring struggles have left the Spartans searching for answers as they look to rebuild and refocus. For the seniors, the loss marked a bittersweet conclusion to their home careers, with emotions running high in the locker room and among fans.
Penn State, meanwhile, is hoping this victory serves as a turning point. The team’s ability to execute under pressure, overcome injuries, and rally around interim leadership will be tested in the closing weeks of the season. The path to bowl eligibility remains narrow, but the sense of relief and renewed confidence was clear in the aftermath of Saturday’s win.
Looking Ahead: Bowl Dreams and Lessons Learned
Next week, Penn State faces Nebraska at home under the primetime lights, a matchup that will determine whether the Nittany Lions can keep their bowl hopes alive. For Michigan State, the focus shifts to regaining composure and salvaging pride in the remaining games.
Saturday’s game was more than a contest of stats; it was a microcosm of a season filled with setbacks, perseverance, and fleeting moments of triumph. Both teams, though on different trajectories, are searching for answers—one with a glimpse of momentum, the other in need of a fresh start.
Penn State’s victory over Michigan State was not just a break in a losing streak—it was a testament to resilience, leadership under pressure, and the power of seizing opportunity when it matters most. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will be defined not just by results, but by how they respond to adversity and the lessons they carry forward.