Records
Ohio State (5-0), Michigan State (4-1)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, October 5
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Network: ABC
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Capacity – 104,944
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 32-15
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Michigan State 26-6 in 2018
Nebraska was supposed to be the first big test of the season for Ohio State. On the road, at night, in one of college football’s historic venues and the Buckeyes passed with flying colors.
This is most complete Ohio State team I remember seeing in a long time. Across the board, every unit is playing just about flawless football.
Next up, No. 25 Michigan State. Ohio State is a heavy favorite against Sparty at night in the ‘Shoe. However, we’ve seen this story before and know Mark Dantonio will have the Spartans ready for war.
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
Michigan State defensive coordinator, Mike Tressel, has to be lying awake at night wondering how he’s going to stop the high powered Buckeye offense. The Spartans had trouble containing the Bucks last year and this year’s version? Well, let’s just say Michigan State is going to have its hands full.
Something is different this year. As dominant as OSU’s offense was in 2018, 2019 feels even better. Just listen to what Nebraska linebacker Mo Berry had to say about the Ohio State offensive line.
“I can’t even begin to compare the two. They’re hungry…real hungry to get up and single block linebackers. That was a pretty good line.” – Mo Berry
Granted, Michigan State is one of the top defensive units in the country, but the Ohio State attack has shown no signs weakness thus far. The play of Justin Fields has been the difference. He’s making great reads, using his legs when necessary, and willing to throw it away to live another day as opposed to forcing plays.
The O-line will need to keep All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Kenny Willekes in check. He can wreak havoc in a backfield, but the line has done an outstanding job protecting Fields and creating huge holes for JK Dobbins.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State will have to account for veteran quarterback Brian Lewerke. He’s leading the Big Ten in passing yards and his offensive line has done an outstanding job of keeping his jersey clean with only four sacks allowed. Of course, Big Ten sack leader, Chase Young may have something to say about that.
The Bucks will need to pressure Lewerke and keep him on his heels. Otherwise, the Spartan QB is talented enough to hit open targets given time. Lewerke has only one pick to his name this season, but the ball hawking OSU secondary is making quarterbacks pay for mistakes, picking off Adrian Martinez three times last Saturday alone.
Ohio State has the better athletes and should dominate once again but can’t get caught looking ahead to a showdown with undefeated Wisconsin.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Justin Fields, Quarterback. Fields has been lethal with his arm and his legs so far this season. He’ll need to continue using both to keep a very talented Spartan defense guessing. And that’s going to be the problem for Michigan State… there’s just too many options for Fields with the read option and an outstanding line protecting him, on top of incredible athleticism.
Baron Browning, Linebacker. Baron Browning seems to be getting better and better with each week. This last week against the Cornhuskers was by far the best game of his career. Browning is continuing to grow as a middle linebacker and is turning into the five-star recruit we thought he was as the 11th ranked player in the 2017 signing class.
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
Michigan State has been a roller coaster this season. Sparty couldn’t score against Arizona State and then couldn’t stop Indiana from scoring. Sandwiched in-between was a dominating performance on both sides of the ball against Northwestern.
For MSU to keep this one close, it’ll need to play a nearly perfect game. But I don’t see it happening.
The Buckeyes are flying high on confidence right now and are playing better than anyone in the county. Playing at home in front of a “Black Out” crowd, in a nationally televised game, with the all black alternate unis will give Ohio State all the momentum it needs.
The Bucks will build off an impressive win in Lincoln and keep rolling to a quick start and a big lead against the Spartans in Columbus. MSU will get a stop at times, but the revamped Buckeye D will keep Lewerke and company in check and Ohio State continues turning heads across the country.
Final Score
Ohio State 38, Michigan State 13
Line
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Ohio State – 20.5
