EAST LANSING, Mich. — Regardless of how the season has gone so far, Michigan State is not a team to be taken lightly.

No. 6 Penn State should know that as well as anyone.

The Nittany Lions lost to the Spartans each of the past two seasons, falling on a last-second field goal in 2017 and a last-minute touchdown the following year. Penn State was ranked in the top 10 both times, so the unbeaten Nittany Lions should have their guard up when the teams meet again Saturday.

“They are just always really well-coached, disciplined team, no matter what their record is,” Penn State cornerback John Reid said. “They are always a great team. That’s kind of the approach we have always taken.”

This year, Michigan State (4-3, 2-2) hasn’t shown it can compete with the Big Ten’s top teams. The Spartans are coming off losses to Ohio State and Wisconsin in which they were outscored 72-10. But this game should have their full focus. They had an open date last weekend — and will have another one next week.

Michigan State has beaten a top-10 team in five of the past six seasons, and this may be its last chance to do so this year.

“Have not had a home game since September 28th, so a little bit different type of scheduling,” Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said. “Sort of in a different phase here because we have one game, basically in three weeks’ time with a bye coming next week.”

Penn State (7-0, 4-0) is also off next week, so if the Nittany Lions can get past this challenge, they’ll have a chance to catch their breath soon enough.