Columnist Graham Couch gives his thoughts on Michigan State's performance Wednesday night in a narrow victory over Penn State with three quick takes.

Leading Michigan State (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) in points, in rebounds and even a little bit in spirit, Fidler paced a precarious win against Penn State (12-6, 2-5). He finished with a season-high 18 points, as well as a team-leading seven rebounds. Most importantly, he finished with a heavy dose of confidence.

No. 12 Michigan State was led by senior forward Frankie Fidler in its win over Penn State on Wednesday. The veteran wing scored a season-high 18 points while grabbing a team-high seven boards.

Fidler, who topped 1,000 points in three seasons at Omaha, was one of Michigan State’s best players in the summer. He was a consistent scorer during a three-game trip to Spain, but it didn’t carry over to the start of the season. Although he scored in double figures six of the first eight games, most of the damage was done from the free throw line.