Michigan State vs. Ohio State Game Preview

The Ohio State football team is approaching the end of the regular season, and the next two weeks will determine where the Buckeyes will play in the playoffs.

Saturday’s game versus Purdue was dominated by the Buckeyes. Yes, the defense still doesn’t seem to have it all together, but with the Boilermakers’ pass-happy offense, it’s difficult to get a fair picture.

In what is basically a playoff elimination match, Ohio State now meets Michigan State. Will the Buckeyes defense be able to stop Kenneth Walker, who many consider being the Heisman favorite? Hold on to your hats, supporters! The next two weeks are shaping up to be a rollercoaster.

Ohio State’s Victory Strategy

For the previous few weeks, Ohio State has been playing at a high level. However, since Week 2 against Oregon, Michigan will be the greatest opponent the Buckeyes have faced. The Spartans are a far more balanced squad than East Lansing has seen in recent years.

This Spartan squad has embraced head coach Mel Tucker’s physical toughness. This MSU squad does not give up, as seen by their fourth-quarter comeback victory over Michigan. And it mostly did it on the ground, behind Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III’s legs.

If Ohio State hopes to leave Saturday still in playoff contention, the defense must keep Walker in check. As mentioned earlier, Kenneth is a Heisman candidate with nearly 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns for the season.

Michigan’s Arsenal

Even if the Ohio team can bottle Walker up, they’ll have to account for an aggressive passing attack led by Payton Thorne. The Spartan quarterback has passed for close to 2,500 yards and 21 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. You’ll also hear a lot about Thorne’s childhood friend, Jaydon Reed, who is one of the top receivers in the Big Ten. The bottom line is that the Spartans have multiple weapons at their disposal.

The Spartans are only second in the Big Ten with 31 sacks, trailing only Ohio’s 33. However, Sparty ranks dead last in yards allowed per game, giving up 444 yards on average each week.

Predicted Outcome

While we do not even know where the Spartans may finish in the CFP, we believe they’ll be in the top seven. That will make them the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked opponent this season. They do, however, provide some particular obstacles.

The Spartans are coming off a victory against Maryland. They won 40-21. Kenneth Walker had another excellent performance and if Ohio State hopes to leave the Shoe with a win, they’ll have to stop him. However, having the game at home is a significant advantage for them.

As for the Spartans, this will be their first time entering a setting like Ohio Stadium and facing the depth that the Buckeyes possess. The Spartans will score first, but they will be unable to stay up with Ohio State’s high-powered attack. In the second half, Ohio State pulls away to set up a rematch with archrival Michigan State.

Odds

Total Points:

• Ohio State defeats Michigan State by a score of 42 to 24.
• Ohio State is an 18.5-point favorite.

Already this season, the Spartans have come behind as underdogs against the Wolverines. They may do the same against the Buckeyes so don’t ignore the Spartans Moneyline at +750.