Everyone take a deep breath!

I notice a mountain of skepticism coming from our most loyal BSD readers this week after the game preview post.  9 guys predicting MSU to win in the comments, vs. 8 for the good guys.  Where's the love???  True, we had 2 make-or-break games this season, and we got broke both times, at home.  True, our special teams looks like the Washington Generals against whatever competition we've come against.  But let's not forget that our team has still has some dominant performers capable of taking over a game against lesser talented teams.  One of my favorite posts each week was the statistical comparisons, but I didn't see it this week, so here are a few of the major matchups I looked up while I was at work today, between brief moments of productivity (games against FCS teams not included).  I'm hoping this will get something of a collective deep breath out of the BSD community.

I heard their D-line was kinda awsum?

Michigan State in Big Ten games:  19 sacks

Penn State in Big Ten games:  19 sacks

But but but...our O-line SUX!!!!

Michigan State sacks allowed vs. FBS opponents:  12

Penn State sacks allowed vs. FBS opponents:  12

So the lines should be a wash, right??? Maybe not.

Michigan State 100-yard rushing performances:  1.  1!  All season they've had 1 guy go over 100 yards.

Penn State 100-yard rushing performances:  6 (2 came against Illinois, and almost a 3rd)

Hey isn't their quarterback good though!  He could slice us apart!!!

Michigan State 300-yard passing performances:  1  (Nichol and Cousins both hit 200 against Wisc though, so call it 2)

Penn State 300-yard passing performances:  1

Moral of the story:  Penn State has performed better than Michigan State in almost every measurable offensive and defensive statistical category this season.  We've been more consistent, more productive, less penalized, better.  One last nugget:  Michigan State has also allowed 4 quarterbacks to pass for 300 on them, and another for 291.  Only Chappell of Indiana has done that against Penn State this year (298 last week).

Hey!  What about that special teams thing?  That wouldn't have supported the conclusion I came to before looking up all these other stats, so I skipped it.  LET'S GO STATE!!!!  HAAAAAAATEEE DANTONIO!!