Spartan football still has a lot to play for

EAST LANSING - Going into the final game of the regular season last year, Michigan State entered Happy Valley with high stakes and high hopes. The Spartans looked completely overwhelmed that afternoon, as Penn State trounced MSU 49-18 with a share of the Big Ten title on the line.

While there will be no conference championship for the Spartans (6-5, 4-3 Big Ten) this season regardless of what happens Saturday against the Nittany Lions (3:30, ABC), they still have a whole lot to play for.

First and foremost is win number seven, which could place them in a more attractive bowl game considering Minnesota is also 4-3 in conference play. The Gophers travel to Iowa Saturday.

"When you look at our football season right now, we have an opportunity to win seven games. That's important for this program," coach Mark Dantonio said.

"We've tried to make a big deal of that around here in terms of finishing this season with a win, which would mean Penn State, which is a big challenge."

Then there's the possibility of capturing the Land Grant trophy on national television at Spartan Stadium, a place where Michigan State has played the Nittany Lions much tougher than on the road. The Spartans pulled off a 35-31 home victory in 2007, and rolled over Penn State 44-10 at home in 2003.

"I think it's important for our university and for our program to have this type of exposure," Dantonio said.

"We have a trophy case over there standing empty right now. We had to give it back last year. You know, good things can happen if you point towards things."

Lastly, the Spartans can regain a great deal of respect which coach Dantonio believed the team had lost earlier this season following losses to Central Michigan and Minnesota.

"I think we've gained a little bit of respect back from winning No. 6," he said.

"I guess to me, you want respect, win your last football game against Penn State. People start talking about you across the country. I guess that's the message to our football team. It will be a challenge. Good football team coming in here."

The Nittany Lions have been more than good defensively this season, giving up just 11.6 points per-game. They also get after the quarterback better than anyone in the Big Ten having registered 34 sacks this season. Michigan State's offensive line has been good in pass protection all year, however, allowing just 12 sacks.

"Like coach D says, it starts up front for us, we got the weight of that on our shoulders" senior center Joel Nitchman said.

"They're an excellent defense, they got great personnel. They're talented, they're strong, so I mean it's exciting. It's gonna be a great challenge and we're looking forward to it."

Though Saturday's game will be Nitchman's last against Penn State, some Spartans, like true freshman Jerel Worthy, will be getting their first taste of what this series means. For a freshman, the defensive tackle sounds very familiar with both teams style of play.

"We just wanna come out and bang heads," he said.

"After four quarters and sixty minutes then we'll see who comes up winning."

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS: While Dantonio probably won't be star-struck when he shakes hands with Penn State coach Joe Paterno Saturday, he spoke fondly of the first time he went head-to-head with the legend.

"I remember when I was a head football coach for the first time. We were playing Penn State. I was at Cincinnati. .... It was a little bit surreal to walk out, talk with him on the field," Dantonio said.

"It's something that I'll always remember because I think he is truly one of the icons in college football."

PAYING TRIBUTE: Coach Dantonio gave his respects to long-time Biggie Munn secretary Sylvia Thompson, who passed away this week.

"A great Spartan," Dantonio said of Thompson.

"Always took the time to say hi to my children, my wife, everything. One of the kindest people, biggest Spartans you'll ever see."