The Buckeyes (10-1) were perilously close to a third season-ruining loss at the hands of Michigan State in the past four years but held on, 17-16, in East Lansing. A better two-point conversion play with four minutes left might have resulted in a Spartans upset, and who knows what might have happened if Michigan State had tied the game and played for overtime. For the second straight year against the Spartans, weather conditions hampered J.T. Barrett's passing and the Ohio State offense labored much of the day (the Buckeyes were outgained, 334 yards to 310).