The 4-0 Ohio State Buckeyes are set to return to action this weekend against the Spartans of Michigan State (2-3). Kickoff time is noon with limited attendance in East Lansing Michigan. The game can be watched on ABC. Ohio State had to cancel their game last weekend against Illinois while their head coach Ryan Day will also miss this game after testing positive for Covid-19.
2020 College Football Playoffs
Ohio State is still hopeful of making the College Football Playoffs this season but need a little help from Michigan in playing them next week after they also are having Covid-19 tests spoil some of their season. If Ohio State can play their final two regular season games against Michigan State and Michigan, win them both, they will be eligible for the Big Ten Championship game the following week. But if one game is cancelled, the Buckeyes will not have met the 6 game requirement to play.
Michigan State Football
Michigan State had their best game so far last weekend beating Northwestern 29-20.
The Spartans have an outstanding linebacker coming after Justin Fields in Antjuan Simmons (Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week) who is 2nd in the conference with 10.6 tackles a game. The team is prone to get sacks and turn-overs, similar to Indiana. They got 4 sacks and 4 interceptions against the Wildcats last week. Mel Tucker returns to the Big Ten after coaching Colorado one year to lead Michigan State.
Michigan State’s main problem is at quarterback where Rocky Lombardi throws as many interceptions as touchdowns. He also is not able to complete many passes, just 11 for 27 last week. He does make up for the poor passing with his ability to run the ball, putting up 65 yards in the most recent win.
Why Ohio State Wins
Ohio State is a 24 point favorite in this game. Last time out, against Indiana, quarterback Justin Fields put up great numbers when discounting the 3 interceptions, with 378 yards and three touchdowns. Fields is leading the nation in passing percentage at 79.6%. Running Back Master Teague had one of his best games with 169 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Their receiving core is still looking very strong with sophomore Garrett Wilson having one of his best games at OSU two weeks ago. Chris Olave also had 100+ yards receiving against the Hoosiers.
Ohio State’s defensive will have some trouble with the pass as we have seen so far this year but Lombardi is not Michael Penix Jr. And shutting down the run is something they are able to do week after week. I cannot see the Spartans being able to do much on offense and the couple of turnovers the Buckeyes make won’t be enough to get MSU past 14 points.
2020 Ohio State Football: Michigan State Trailer