Ohio State has passed every test with flying colors so far in 2019. Now comes the next challenge against a Michigan State team that has a history of ruining things for highly ranked Buckeye squads.
But can the same happen in 2019?
The Spartans have a very good defense, but have looked inconsistent at times — especially on the offensive side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are scoring a bushel of points and giving up few. They might be the most complete team in America.
So, is there a chance Mark Dantonio gets his squad up and pulls off the shocker in Columbus? These sort of things aren’t determined on paper, you have to do it on the field, and we’ve seen our fair share of upsets in the history of this so-called modest rivalry.
We’ve already looked at five reasons Ohio State will walk away still undefeated after this on. But here’s three reasons the Michigan State Spartans could give the Buckeyes fits Saturday night.
Next … The “Ohio” thing
The Ohio kids on the Spartans roster
It doesn’t always work this way, and sometimes the narrative is overplayed, but there’s a ton of Ohio kids on Michigan State’s roster. How would you feel if you grew up in the football mad state and weren’t given a look by the football king of the area? Maybe a chip on your shoulder would develop?
Sure. We’ve seen other years where some kids from the Buckeye state have risen up and played beyond their potential to stick it to the institution that overlooked them, and there’s certainly that possibility here. All 28 kids wearing the Green and White of Michigan Sate would love nothing more than to waltz into the ‘Shoe and ruin such a fantastic season for the home state school.
Next … On the defensive
Michigan State’s defense is reportedly boarded the bus
One of the hallmarks of a Michigan State team under Mark Dantonio is a stout and downhill attacking defense that makes life miserable on offensive coordinators. The Spartans have shown flashes of that this year.
Yeah, Sparty gave up a lot of yards and points against Indiana last week, but that’s usually the exception vs. the norm for the Spartans. This team will put a premium on being aggressive and making Justin Fields make quick decisions. It’s strong, quick and decisive. Things may not be as comfortable getting into sets and making plays like they have thus far for this dynamic Ohio State offense.
Next … The Dantonio factor
Great coaching
I’m not sure Mark Dantonio gets the credit he deserves. He’s a great motivator, puts together great game plans, and gets the most out of his kids. He also uses those around him, but his in-game adjustments and decision making are elite too.
To be fair, he outcoached Urban Meyer a couple of times (2013 and 2015) in some upset scenario and relishes the opportunity to be an underdog and do the chasing. You have to be ready for about anything in key situations as well, because he’ll slyly sneak in some trickeration at just the right time.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day pointed out how well coached this team is, and he’s right on point. Dantonio will come in with a good game plan and have his kids ready. It’s just whether or not the talent on talent can execute unlike the last couple of years.
