We haven’t seen a stagnant Ohio State offense much this season, but against Michigan State, we did at the outset. It was difficult for Justin Fields and company to get anything going, but after the first fifteen minutes OSU started to get on a roll.
There were just three points scored in the first quarter by both teams, with a missed 37-yard field-goal by the generally automatic Ohio State kicker Blake Haubeil.
That was buried in hindsight after a thrilling second quarter. The second fifteen minutes had everything you could’ve asked for — dynamic defense, thrilling offense and the early allure of a close game.
Ohio State eventually found their rhythm early in the second quarter as Justin Fields made sure the Buckeyes got seven on the board. It was a phenomenal call, tricking the MSU defense.
After Michigan State scored the very next possession, Fields drilled tight end Luke Farrell for the game’s third touchdown, his second.
A few possessions later, MSU brought the game within a touchdown, kicking a 39-yard field goal after Brian Lewerke missed what could’ve been an easy touchdown reception.
Just a few plays later, J.K. Dobbins broke the game open, sprinting for a 67-yard touchdown to put OSU up 24-10. With an electric, blacked-out crowd, Dobbins woke them up with what could be the play of the game.
After another field goal to close out the second quarter, the lead ballooned to 17. The Buckeyes entered halftime up 27-10.
Ohio State entered the half with 302 all-purpose yards and surprisingly more rushing yards than passing. This is Dobbins’ fourth game of the season with 100-plus yards. And there’s still another half to go.
