With a win over Michigan State in the regular season finale, coupled with a Michigan loss, the Penn State Nittany Lions clinched the Big Ten East division crown and secured a spot in the Big Ten Championship.
There was a sense of preoccupation around Beaver Stadium at the start of the game. With Michigan and Ohio State playing an epic overtime game, and the Nittany Lions needing the Buckeyes to pull it out, the focus seemed to be on what was happening in Columbus.
Though it may never be admitted, the Nittany Lions seemed a bit unfocused, likely thinking about what was going on in Columbu, and struggled at the onset against Michigan State.