Even though the first three games counted, it feels like the preseason is over for Ohio State and now the real work begins. The Buckeyes have done exactly what they were supposed to do in dismantling Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall. Now it’s time to get ready for Big Ten play.
OSU will travel to East Lansing for a game under the lights at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State is trying to rebuild under new head coach Jonathan Smith after a tumultuous ending with former head coach Mel Tucker. The Spartans started off hot before stumbling at Boston College last week. Smith clearly has the team going in the right direction, but will it be enough to put pressure on the Buckeyes? It’s time to get ready for Ohio State’s first real test of the 2024 season.
Records and Broadcast Information
Records
Ohio State (3-0), Michigan State (3-1)
Broadcast Information
Date | Saturday, September 28Game Time | 7:30 ETNetwork | Peacock (streaming only)Venue | Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan) Capacity – 74,866All-Time Series | Ohio State leads 37-15Last Meeting | Ohio State defeated Michigan State 38-3 in 2023
Ohio State Potential Game Plan for Victory
When head coach Jonathon Smith left Oregon State for East Lansing, he brought some players with him via the transfer portal. Quarterback Adian Chiles was one of the biggest names who decided to trade in his orange and black for green and white. Chiles was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and showed glimpses of greatness in a small sample size in Corvallis. He has the skill, but it is yet to translate at MSU.
The game plan should be simple for Ohio State. Pressure Chiles, confuse him with multiple looks, and force him into errors, which he’s proven he’s prone to doing. Through four games with Michigan State, Chiles has thrown seven interceptions to only four touchdowns. He does have a little bit of wiggle so the Buckeye defense may want to keep a spy on him, but thus far the young quarterback has been wildly inconsistent.
The Spartan defense has been solid early on in the season, giving up an average of only 14 points per game. It’s safe to say they’ve seen nothing like the OSU offense and the weapons it will deploy. The Buckeye running game is really starting to take form, and it’s almost certain Chip Kelly hasn’t shown his full hand yet. We say it all the time: establish the running game, and the rest will take care of itself. That’s exactly what Kelly is doing.
Key Offensive Player for Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins – Running Back
Ohio State hit the lottery in the transfer portal this season, and maybe there was no bigger prize than the two-time SEC All-Conference selection. Judkins has solidified a backfield that was in desperate need of depth. He’s posted back-to-back games of over 100 rushing yards and four touchdowns while averaging over nine yards per carry.
Key Defensive Player for Ohio State
Denzel Burke – Cornerback
Denzel Burke is becoming the next great cornerback in a long line of great defensive backs to wear the Scarlet and Gray. Burke will be expected to help keep some very capable Michigan State receivers in check. True freshman Nick Marsh is leading the Spartan aerial attack, averaging over 21 yards per reception, and Montorie Foster Jr already has 17 receptions on the season. Burke may be able to pick up another interception or two with the erratic Chiles throwing the ball.
The Prediction
How It’ll Play Out
Ohio State will finally face a team that is more on the same level… kind of. Michigan State is in a rebuilding phase, and while Jonathan Smith is laying a solid foundation, this team isn’t quite there just yet. Yes, the Spartans have played spoilers in the past, so the Buckeyes won’t be looking past MSU.
As good as Ohio State has looked so far in the season, Ryan Day knows it has to translate to conference games. This will be the first chance to show what this team is made of against another power five team and the Buckeyes will make the most of it.
Final Score
Ohio State 45, Michigan State 13
Line:
Ohio State -23.5
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Michigan State preview and prediction
