Ohio State (5-3) At Michigan State (4-4)
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GAME NOTES: The Michigan State Spartans try to rebound from a disastrous loss this Saturday when they host the Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten Conference action from East Lansing. The Spartans enter the game off a heartbreaking triple-overtime 45-37 setback to Michigan last weekend. Michigan State had a chance to win at Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1990, but could not hold on to a 27-10 lead with under nine minutes remaining in the ball game. With the loss, the Spartans dropped to an even 4-4 overall and 3-2 in league play. The team returns to the friendly confines of Spartan Stadium where it has posted three wins against just one loss this season. As for Ohio State, it has rebounded nicely from a three-game losing streak with consecutive wins over Indiana (30-7) and most recently Penn state (21-10). The team now stands at 5-3 and its conference ledger sits at 2-3. The Buckeyes, however, now must hit the road where they have won just once in three tries thus far. With regard to the all-time series between the two schools, it is led by Ohio State, 22-12. The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings and seven of the last nine overall, including a 33-23 triumph in Columbus last season.
Ohio State hasn't been known as an offensive power over the last few seasons and this year is no exception. The team is gaining just 294.5 total ypg which has led to a scoring average of only 21.4 ppg. Unlike in years past, however, the Buckeyes have struggled to run the ball this season and are averaging just 126.4 ypg with only five rushing touchdowns. The team has also lost 11 fumbles, while throwing six interceptions. In their last game, the Buckeyes received a solid all-around effort, as their one offensive touchdown was joined by a punt return for a score and defensive touchdown in a 21-10 triumph over Penn State. OSU gained just 202 total yards in the contest, with 143 coming on the ground. Maurice Hall, who was filling in for the suspended Lydell Ross, paced the team with 65 rushing yards on 14 carries. Ross is expected to return this weekend and add to his team-best 343 rushing yards. Troy Smith got the nod again under center this past week and completed 6-of-8 tosses for 59 yards. He has done a decent job filling in for the injured Justin Zwick, completing 57.1 percent of his passes with four touchdowns against no interceptions. Santonio Holmes has clearly been the team's primary target, as his 39 catches, 582 receiving yards and five touchdowns are all tops on the club. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
On the defensive side of the ball is where Ohio State has excelled over the years and the same can be said about this season. The defense is giving up a miniscule 18.5 ppg behind just 313.5 total ypg. The Buckeyes have done an equally good job between the run (135.0 ypg) and pass (178.5 ypg), but need to generate more turnovers (11). In last week's win over Penn State, the OSU defense was outstanding in holding the Nittany Lions to just 10 points on only 246 total yards. The unit forced three sacks and created two turnovers, while allowing Penn State to connect on just 7-of-22 pass attempts. A.J. Hawk, once again, paced the defense with 13 tackles, giving him 101 for the year. Anthony Schlegel also put forth a solid effort with 10 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. He now ranks second on the team in total tackles (59) and first in TFLs (eight) and sacks (3.5).
After a slow start to the year, the Spartan offense has really come on in recent weeks and is now averaging 29.5 ppg and 453.2 total ypg. The team features one of the more balanced attacks in the nation, rushing for 232.2 ypg and passing for another 221.0 ypg. Michigan State, however, suffered a huge blow in its setback to Michigan last weekend, as it lost the services of signal caller Drew Stanton for several weeks with an injured shoulder. Stanton was in the midst of an outstanding season, and his leadership will be sorely missed. He has completed 63.4 percent of his attempts, while also leading the team with 534 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His replacement will be Damon Dowdell, who completed 8-of-13 passes for 72 yards in relief last week. Dowdell has appeared in a few games this season and has completed 57.7 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and one interception. With Dowdell having limited playing experience, the Spartans will lean on RB DeAndra Cobb. The speedy tailback broke out against Michigan, rushing for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Cobb had been used sparingly before the big game, but his 472 rushing yards and 7.5 ypc average have more than earned him a starting spot. As for the wideouts, Matt Trannon and Jerramy Scott lead the team with 26 catches apiece, while Eric Knott's three touchdowns are tops on the club.
Defensively, the Spartans have lacked consistency this season and that explains why they are allowing 25.2 ppg and 380.1 total ypg. The defense has had an especially difficult time stopping the run, yielding 171.4 ypg off 4.3 ypc. MSU has also had trouble creating turnovers (11), but has made up for it by holding opponents to just 35.0 percent of third-down conversions. The Spartans, however, are coming off a poor defensive performance in which they allowed 496 total yards and 17 points in the final nine minutes of an eight- point triple-overtime setback to Michigan. The Michigan State defense was torched for 223 rushing yards, while allowing the Wolverines to complete 24- of-35 pass attempts. Ronald Stanley paced the defense in defeat with 10 tackles and one of the Spartans' four sacks. He has done a tremendous job for the club this season and his 82 stops and seven TFLs are both lead the team.
Ohio State has struggled on the road this season, but without Stanton in the lineup the Spartan offense won't be nearly as dangerous. The Buckeyes should be able to limit Michigan State's ground attack this weekend and force a few turnovers which should be enough for Ohio State to sneak out a rare road victory.
Predicted Outcome
Ohio State 24, Michigan State 17
