MSU continues to struggle at Penn State

State College, Pa. — The last time MSU beat Penn State in Beaver Stadium, the Vietnam War had just started, Lyndon B. Johnson was president and Spartans’ head coach Mark Dantonio had yet to celebrate his 10th birthday.

With an eye on walking out of Happy Valley with MSU’s first road win against Penn State since 1965, the Spartans succumbed to a hostile crowd and a superior Nittany Lions squad. For at least two more years, though, the streak of futility in Beaver Stadium will stand as the Spartans were dropped 49-18 Saturday.

“It’s been a very long time since we’ve beat Penn State at Penn State,” said MSU right tackle Jesse Miller, who has lost twice at Penn State during his career. “It’s a hostile environment. The crowd is in it and they’re always ready to go.”

While nobody will take solace in a loss, it should be noted that few teams have walked out of Beaver Stadium with a win in recent years. The Nittany Lions are 27-2 at home dating back to Senior Day 2004.

Combine the pressure of Saturday’s Big Ten title showdown with Penn State’s home success and the Spartans were up against a difficult task Saturday.

“We’ve not been in this situation before where we’re playing for a championship,” MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said. “It’s a learning experience for us in a hostile environment.”

Senior send-off
While MSU’s 16 seniors were bid farewell at Spartan Stadium two weeks ago, Saturday also marked another finale for soon-to-be graduates.

Seniors such as quarterback Brian Hoyer, running back Javon Ringer and other key contributors played their last Big Ten game in the loss.

“To be in my senior year knowing I can’t come back next year and try again, that this is my last shot, it’s really going to kind of sting a little bit,” said Ringer, who will end his career as MSU’s second-leading rusher behind Lorenzo White.

For Miller, leaving Big Ten football on a difficult loss away from home will sting for a while

“It’s very disappointing that I don’t get any more conference games forever. Very disappointing going out in such a bad way,” Miller said. “You can’t do anything about it now, but all we can do is look forward to a bowl game.”

Field position struggles
The Spartans were seemingly playing from behind all game, not only on the scoreboard, but on most offensive drives as well.

MSU never started a drive inside Penn State territory and came only as close as its own 45-yard line. Without any Penn State turnovers or special teams magic of its own, MSU could never get play on a short field for easy points.

While the Spartans succeeded at pinning Penn State in its own territory, the Nittany Lions had one drive start at the MSU 32-yard line off a second-quarter interception.