Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Complete preview and prediction

Ohio State has surprised no one as the Buckeyes have easily taken care of each of their opponents so far this season. What is more surprising is the fact that OSU is not getting more love from the national pollsters who still have the Bucks sitting behind both Alabama and Georgia.

Ryan Day’s squad has had the luxury of playing the first five games on the home turf of Ohio Stadium. Now the Buckeyes have their first road trip of the year as they prepare to head to East Lansing for a showdown with Michigan State.

The Spartans have stubbed their toe in recent weeks, but it’s never easy to go into hostile territory in conference play. Will Mel Tucker have Michigan State up for the challenge or will Ohio State roll once again?

Records and Broadcast Information

Records

Ohio State (5-0), Michigan State (2-3)

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
Game Time: 4 p.m. EDT
Network: ABC
Venue: Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan) Capacity: 75,005
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 35-15
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Michigan State 56-7 in 2021

Ohio State Potential Game Plan for Victory

Well, it doesn’t seem that the Michigan State pass defense has gotten much better since the last time these two teams met. Last year C.J. Stroud lit up the Spartan defense to the tune of 432 yards and six touchdowns with only three incompletions. MSU has already allowed multiple 300-yard passing games this year.

That bodes well for Stroud and company who has been airing it out all season even without the services of Jaxon Smith-Njigba for most of the year. Stroud did look a little out of sorts this past week against Rutgers, but a date with the Michigan State secondary may be just what the doctor ordered.

The Spartans have been unable to establish much in the way of the running game and things won’t get easier against a much improved Ohio State defense. The Buckeye’s strength lies in stopping the run and shouldn’t have a problem keeping Michigan State running back Jalen Berger in check. Berger hasn’t come close to a 100-yard game since playing a couple of MAC schools early in the season.

If the Bucks can stop the running game, that puts a great deal of pressure on quarterback Payton Thorne who is averaging just 6.9 yards per completion and has already thrown six interceptions on the year. The young Ohio State cornerbacks are still trying to find their identity and this could be the game we see one or two of them break out.

Two Key Players for Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver

Marvin Harrison Jr. has picked up this season right where he left off in a breakout Rose Bowl performance. The son of the former NFL Hall of Famer clearly has his father’s genes and makes spectacular plays seemingly every week. Harrison Jr. could be in line for another huge day against a below-average Spartan secondary.

Michael Hall Jr. – Defensive Tackle

After missing a few weeks with injury, Michael Hall Jr. was back stuffing holes this past week. Hall has been a huge part of the revamped Buckeye defense. Against Michigan State, he’ll have the opportunity to stop the run and get after quarterback Payton Thorne.

The Prediction

When the prognosticators looked at the schedule, many thought this could be a game that might give Ohio State a little trouble. First road test against a Mel Tucker swaggering defense might have been cause for concern. However, it just doesn’t look like that will be the case for the Buckeyes.

While you can never take any opponent lightly, especially one licking its wounds after three straight losses, the Spartans do not seem to pose much of a threat to the juggernaut that is Ohio State.

The Buckeyes go on the road and win with relative ease and keep Michigan State winless in conference play.

Final Score

Ohio State 52, Michigan State 17

TIPICO Line

Ohio State -30.5

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Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire