Game Summary
Final Score: Penn State 28, Michigan State 10 Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan
After enduring six consecutive heartbreaking losses, the Penn State Nittany Lions finally returned to the win column with a convincing 28-10 road victory over Michigan State. The triumph marked interim head coach Terry Smith’s first career win and provided a much-needed emotional boost for a program that has faced adversity throughout the 2025 season.
Historic Moment for Terry Smith
Terry Smith, who took over as interim head coach following James Franklin’s firing on October 12, finally tasted victory in his fourth game at the helm. The emotional significance wasn’t lost on the team—players celebrated by giving Smith a Gatorade bath on the field in East Lansing.
“It’s very humbling,” Smith said in his postgame press conference. “These kids never stopped believing, never stopped fighting. This win belongs to them.”
Smith’s record as interim head coach improves to 1-3, with Penn State now 4-6 overall and 1-6 in Big Ten conference play.
Breaking the Streak
The six-game losing streak had been Penn State’s longest since the 2010 season. The skid began with a 42-37 loss at UCLA on October 4 and included several heartbreaking one-score defeats:
- Oct 4: Lost to UCLA, 37-42
- Oct 11: Lost to Northwestern, 21-22 (Drew Allar season-ending injury)
- Oct 18: Lost to Iowa, 24-25
- Nov 1: Lost at Ohio State, 14-38
- Nov 8: Lost to Indiana, 24-27
- Nov 15: DEFEATED Michigan State, 28-10
Offensive Standouts
Kaytron Allen’s Workhorse Performance
Running back Kaytron Allen continued his impressive 2025 campaign with a career-high 181 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries. Allen now has 917 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns through 10 games, establishing himself as Penn State’s offensive foundation during turbulent times. His performance moved him within 138 yards of Evan Royster’s Penn State all-time rushing record (3,932 yards).
Grunkemeyer’s First Win
Redshirt freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer earned his first career victory as a starting quarterback. He completed 8 of 13 passes for 127 yards, including a spectacular 75-yard touchdown strike to Devonte Ross that helped Penn State build momentum in the victory.
Defensive Excellence
Penn State’s defense held Michigan State to just 10 points and 229 total yards. Dani Dennis-Sutton recorded two sacks and blocked a punt, while Daryus Dixson forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions limited Michigan State to just 1-of-10 on third down conversions.
The Land Grant Trophy
With the victory, Penn State retains possession of the Land Grant Trophy for the third consecutive year, awarded annually to the winner of the Penn State-Michigan State rivalry game.
Looking Ahead
Penn State (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) hosts Nebraska for Senior Day on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM ET on NBC. The Nittany Lions need two wins in their final two games to reach bowl eligibility.
“We’ll celebrate this one tonight, but we’ve got work to do,” Smith said. “We owe it to our seniors to finish strong.”
The season finale at Rutgers on November 29 will close out what has been a challenging but character-building campaign for the Nittany Lions.
Key Statistics
Penn State:
- Total Yards: 367
- Rushing Yards: 237 (Allen 181, Singleton 56)
- Passing Yards: 130
- Time of Possession: 37:19
- Turnovers: 0
- Third Down: 2/10
- Fourth Down: 2/4
Michigan State:
- Total Yards: 229
- Turnovers: 1
- Time of Possession: 22:41
- Third Down: 1/10