Preview: Ohio State vs. Michigan State

Can Braxton find his receivers? 

Ohio State (3-1) and Michigan State (3-1) are both unranked for losing at the wrong times, to the wrong teams. OSU losing just two weeks ago to Miami (Fl.) and Michigan State losing a crazy game to Notre Dame. Now, both are on the verge of being ranked again but need to open up the Big Ten season with a win. That won't come easily for either team as the Buckeyes are scrappy with young freshman Braxton Miller in at quarterback after making his first start just one week ago. Michigan State has a lot of veterans that look to make an impact in the opening day of B1G conference play and to make a national statement in the 'Shoe. Ohio State owns a 27-12 series lead over Michigan State, which includes seven straight wins over the Spartans. The teams haven't played since 2008, when Beanie Wells was stiff-arming people all over the place.


There is no shortage of talent at the offensive skill positions on either squad, although the Buckeyes do have less experince. MSU QB Kirk Cousins, who has completed 69.2% of his passes for 947 yards and 5 TD's compared to 2 INT's. The ground attack is nothing to skim over, thought, with Le'Veon Bell having 217 yards and six TD's while the "main" man coming into the season, Edwin Baker, has 216 yards on the ground. Both are capable backs, and are something the Silver Bullets need to watch out for in this very balanced offense. 

Braxton Miller leads the way from now on, and so far has done a good job. This is his first true test against a resilient Spartans defense. Devin Smith is his favorite target, and he has 8 catches for 183 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground for the Buckeyes, Jordan Hall is the latest starter, but the tag-team of Hyde and Hall has been murder for defense's to stop. If the passing game gets rolling early, the bigger the holes will be for Hyde and Hall to burst through, and they are certainly this offense's strong point. 

John Simon and co. have to be on their game tomorrow

The Buckeye defense is excellent on third down situations this year, and was especially good against the Buffaloes attack making them 3/13 on third down conversions. Overall, the Buckeyes are only giving up 276.2 yards per game and have been pretty solid defending the run and pass. Andrew Sweat is the leading tackler on the team with 24 total tackles, but the defensive unit as a whole has done well. Nathan Williams and Philly Brown are most likely out for this game, which hurts both sides of the ball, because they could have brought in some fresh legs against the Spartans. 


This is going to be a close game, and thanks to the Buckeye's home-field advantage, I have no issue with giving the nod to the Buckeyes. I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose, either. My final prediction would have to be Ohio State 27, Michigan State, 24. This game is all about field position, clock management, and who can hold that ball on long drives and come away with points. Something that OSU has struggled with as of late.