The Michigan State Spartans are ready to face their rivals, the Penn State Nittany Lions, in the Battle For The Land Grant Trophy.
The game will be important to every player on the team, from kicker Martin Connington to the receiving room and more, but the one place that might have the most impact will be from the Spartan veterans who have played in the game before.
Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images / David Reginek-Imagn Images
After a 42-0 loss two years ago during the 2023 season, every returning name will be able to take what needs to be learned from that game and apply it to themselves and the team this year.
Michigan State’s Michael Masunas, left, celebrates his touchdown catch with Jack Velling against Youngstown State during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State’s Michael Masunas celebrates a first down after a catch against Florida Atlantic during the first quarter on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, right, scores as Michigan State’s Malik Spencer defends during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State’s Malik Spencer reacts after a Boston College score during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State’s Jordan Hall celebrates after a stop against Michigan during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State linebacker Jordan Hall (5) celebrates a tackle against Michigan wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State’s Jordan Hall looks on from the sideline during the first quarter in the game against UCLA on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State’s defensive coordinator Joe Rossi watches during warmups before the football game against Western Michigan on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There is a huge opportunity at hand for the Spartans returning players against the Nittany Lions, and they will be key to success for not only this match but the rest of the season.
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