The No. 8 Nittany Lions prepare for their final game of the regular season against the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans.

This is a big game for the Lions. The Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl bid, and, not to mention, the Land Grant Trophy all rest on the outcome of this game. There is no doubt, the Lions will have their hands full on Saturday.

The Michigan State offense is powered by the duo of quarterback Brian Hoyer and running back Javon Ringer. Hoyer is able to throw the ball quickly and accurately and will be the biggest threat the PSU defense will have to deal with. The secondary unit must be prepared for this quarterback who can tear up the field in minutes. Ringer is arguably the best running back in college football and is the heart and soul of this Spartan offense. He has scored 20 touchdowns this season and has tore up defenses all across the country. I feel pretty good about how the Penn State defense, which is the 10th best rushing defense in the nation, matches up to Ringer. The defense has always been better defending the run rather than pass. If they shut down Ringer, all the defense will have to do is contain Hoyer and prevent him from making any big plays.

The MSU defense is anchored by linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon, who were both named Freshman All-Americans last season. The secondary is led by cornerback Chris L. Rucker. The Nittany Lions might have some trouble getting things started on the ground with Jones and Gordon, but nothing that the Lions really have to worry about.

Like I said, this is a big game for the Lions and might turn out to be one of their toughest. The Spartans are coming into this game with a week's worth of rest and are ready to play for their first BCS Bowl bid since the 1980's. Don't let the fact that Penn State is a big favorite fool you, the Lions will have a tough time in a battle of emotions on Saturday.

THE GOOD NEWS: A big game at the Beaver on Senior Day

THE BAD NEWS: The Spartans are not as soft as they look

KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN/ABC

INJURY REPORT: TB Brent Carter (knee-out), DE Josh Gaines (ankle-possible), DE Jerome Hayes (knee-out), C Doug Klopacz (knee-out), LB Sean Lee (knee-out), DE Devon Still (ankle-out), S Nick Sukay (foot-out)

BOTTOM LINE: Are those roses I smell?