The second season is upon us. This weekend, conference play kicks off for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will play Michigan State.
The Spartans and Buckeyes share some similarities.
For one, both teams enter the contest 3-1. They won the games they should have and both had forgettable performances in spotlight games. Each is also trying to determine what their identity will be.
The Buckeyes go into game with confidence stemming off a 37-17 win over Colorado. Across the board, they looked much better. They have finally found their quarterback in Braxton Miller. Jordan Hall and Devin Smith are emerging stars and the defense is doing a better job with the basics.
Still, it’s hard to know what to make of the Buckeyes. Luckily, their first conference challenge should reveal much.
Michigan State is a good team. They’re going to present the Buckeyes with some challenges on both sides of the ball.
The Silver Bullets will face off against Kirk Cousins. Kirk will be one of the best quarterbacks the Buckeyes face all season. It’s important Ohio State comes out and puts pressure on Cousins. If they can rattle him early, they may force him to make mistakes and provide the offense with some short fields.
Offensively, the Buckeyes will have their hands full. Michigan State’s defensive line should provide a good challenge. If the offensive line can create push and open up the run game the Buckeyes may have a big day, if they can’t, the offense could be in a lot of trouble.
One deciding factor could come down to Braxton Miller’s play.
The most intriguing match up of the game will be the Spartans’ secondary against Ohio State’s receivers. Michigan State’s secondary is good enough to play man-to-man, which will make it difficult for the Buckeyes’ receivers to get open. The good thing for the Buckeyes is if Miller sees man-to-man coverage it may give him the ability to have some big running plays. If Miller does a good job managing the game and taking what the defense gives him, the Buckeyes could win.
The other deciding factor will be how well Ohio State’s defense plays.
The linebackers still have trouble getting back into deep coverage. Expect Cousins and company to attack that. If the Buckeyes don’t do a better job in coverage, Kirk is going to make many big plays and Michigan State will walk out with the win.
Even though it’s only the opener, this game could set the standard for the rest of the season.
Ohio State needs this game. Their October schedule is far from easy, and they need to continue to build on their momentum. If they can go out, take the game to Michigan State and eliminate the mental mistakes, they’ll earn their first conference win.
That said the Spartans are more experienced. They have a better quarterback at this point and their offense is dangerous. Michigan State will make enough big plays and walk out with the win.
Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
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