University Park, PA -- (Sports Network) - A trip to the Rose Bowl is on the line for the seventh-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, as they play host to the 17th-ranked Michigan State Spartans in what figures to be a highly competitive Big Ten battle.

Quietly, Michigan State has put together a 9-2 record that includes a 6-1 mark against conference opponents. The Spartans last won the Big Ten title in 1990, but the team can clinch at least a share of the crown if it can knock off the Nittany Lions. "We definitely know what's at stake," says Michigan State senior quarterback Bryan Hoyer. "I mean to get a Big Ten championship knowing where we've been, what we've gone through, and where we've came from this would be huge especially for the senior class." If the Spartans beat Penn State and Ohio State loses to Michigan, the Spartans will represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl. Michigan State is riding a three-game win streak that includes a 21-7 victory over Purdue last time out.

Penn State clinches a berth in the Rose Bowl with a win, as it knocked off Ohio State earlier this season to claim that tie-breaker. The Nittany Lions have already earned their 20th 10-win season under legendary head coach Joe Paterno and seek their 14th season with 11 victories. Paterno's squad was in position to earn a spot in the national championship game, but a 24-23 loss to Iowa on November 8th seemingly crushed those hopes. Still, the team bounced back strong with a 34-7 romp over Indiana last weekend and enters this finale as the favorite.

The all-time series between Penn State and Michigan State is tied at 12-12-1, adding further intrigue to this showdown.

Michigan State is averaging 26.9 ppg and a modest 355.2 total ypg. The Spartans lean heavily on talented tailback Javon Ringer, and he has proven to be true workhorse. Through 11 games, Ringer has carried the ball a staggering 353 times for 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has also caught 21 passes out of the backfield, and Ringer may get some Heisman Trophy consideration if he can have a big day against the Nittany Lions. He will need some help from Hoyer, who has completed only 49.1 percent of his passes for 2,029 yards and nine touchdowns. While his numbers aren't impressive, Hoyer has thrown just six interceptions, proof that he knows how to avoid mistakes.

The Spartans are coming off an open date, and they beat Purdue by 14 points two weeks ago. Ringer had a pair of one-yard touchdown runs in that clash, and he finished with 121 rushing yards on 32 attempts. Hoyer did not play well, completing just 10-of-22 passes for 154 yards and two interceptions.

"Penn State is a very good football team, and they run the type of physical plays that a big team like them can run," said Michigan State defensive tackle Justin Kershaw, looking ahead to this week's showdown. "One thing that impresses me the most is their offensive line and it is probably the best offensive line we have faced this year." The Spartans are yielding just 19.5 ppg this season, so expect the defense to be ready for the challenge. Michigan State has 13 interceptions with just 10 passing touchdowns allowed. The club also has nine recovered fumbles and 23 sacks to its credit. Greg Jones has tallied 100 total tackles, including nine TFLs, to lead the club.

The defense deserves a ton of credit for the victory over Purdue last time out. Johnny Adams returned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Boilermakers, and Purdue scored its lone touchdown with less than one minute remaining in the contest.

Penn State possesses an offense that has achieved tremendous balance this season. The Nittany Lions, who are racking up 39.4 ppg, are rushing for 218.3 ypg while passing for 224.4 ypg. They have committed just 13 turnovers this season and allowed only 11 sacks, two keys to their success. Daryll Clark has been solid under center, completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 1,978 yards and 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. Clark has rushed for 261 yards and eight touchdowns as well, proof of his tremendous versatility. Evan Royster doesn't handle the ball nearly as much as Michigan State's Ringer, but Royster has rushed for 1,123 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 ypc. Considering that Ringer averages 4.4 ypc, it can be argued that Royster has had the better season. Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood form a tremendous trio of wideouts for Clark.

Against Indiana last weekend, Penn State racked up 23 first downs and 442 total yards. Clark threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, while Royster and Williams both had touchdown runs in that clash. On a down note, Clark did commit three turnovers on the heels of a bad showing at Iowa. Asked after the game if he was 100 percent healthy, the quarterback answered simply, "Yep. I'm fine." He will have to be fine if his Lions are to knock off the Spartans.

There is no question that Penn State has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation this season. The Nittany Lions are yielding only 11.9 ppg and 258.6 total ypg. They are limiting foes to 101.5 rushing ypg on 3.0 ypc, and they have intercepted 14 passes while allowing a mere five touchdowns through the air. There is no shortage of standout defensive performers worthy of mention. Navorro Bowman paces the club with 94 total tackles, including 11.5 TFLs. He has three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles to his credit. Aaron Maybin has 12 sacks and is one of the most athletic pass rushers in the nation.

Maybin had a sack last weekend against Indiana, and his Nittany Lions limited the overmatched Hoosiers to 180 total yards, including 57 passing yards on 9- of-23 efficiency. Penn State limited Indiana to 2-of-15 success on third down conversion attempts. After the win over the Hoosiers, Maybin looked forward to the showdown against Michigan State. "They're definitely a team with a lot of talent and a lot of guys that play hard, that hustle," said the star defensive end. "You can tell they have a good work ethic, never give up on a game so it's going to be a tough game for us but we look forward to that kind of stuff."