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Ohio State Football: Why Michigan State will be a turning point for Ohio State

By Blake Biscardi

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 3: The Ohio State Buckeyes defense celebrates in the end zone as the referee signals for a safety in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State blocked a punt that rolled out of the end zone. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 3: The Ohio State Buckeyes defense celebrates in the end zone as the referee signals for a safety in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State blocked a punt that rolled out of the end zone. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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A look at how and why this Saturday’s game against the Michigan State Spartans will be the turning point for the Ohio State football team’s season.

Ohio State has not looked impressive as of late and the committee is definitively holding it against them. The Buckeyes, for the second week in a row, are ranked No. 10 and appear to need some help to reach the College Football Playoff. The only thing Ohio State has to blame is themselves.

The Buckeyes’ backs are against the wall as the sense of urgency becomes non negotiable if they wish to contend with Michigan and win the Big Ten and beyond. If history is any indication, though, Urban Meyer coached teams are forces to be reckoned with when they are either being counted out or in the underdog role.

Many are putting the Buckeyes on upset alert this weekend in East Lansing as Mark Dantonio will attempt to pull another upset over Urban Meyer. Dantonio is one of two coaches, Dabo Swinney  the other, to have beaten Meyer twice during his time at Ohio State. A win on Saturday would make Dantonio the only coach to defeat Meyer’s Buckeyes three times since 2012.

It is now or never for Ohio State. The season is on the line in East Lansing as this will be an indicator of what’s to come for this group of Buckeyes.

Can Ohio State finally get it together and play at a high level as a complete team for a full sixty minutes? Or will we just see the same flat, unmotivated Buckeyes we have seen since they defeated Penn State?

Here’s why this is the week Ohio State finally turns their season around.

During the 2014 season, the turning point was defeating Penn State in double overtime. However, the defining moment was the Michigan State game on the road at night with everyone speculating  about Ohio State’s legitimacy. This year’s matchup is no different.

The 2018 matchup against the Spartans will speak volumes about this year’s Buckeyes in terms of character, toughness, and will to win. Playing Michigan State, especially in Spartan Stadium, is always one of the more physical contests of the season. Ohio State has not be as physical as in year’s past, but expect that to change Saturday afternoon.

The Buckeyes are backed into a corner and the only way out of it is through their opponents. Last week against Nebraska Ohio State showed signs of improvement on both sides of the football if you paid attention closely.

The offensive line protected Dwayne Haskins much better than the previous few games as well and won the line of scrimmage. The Buckeyes were physical at the point of attack against the Cornhuskers as they opened up rushing lanes for both Mike Weber and JK Dobbins all afternoon. Ohio State will need to continue its success upfront this weekend against a stout Michigan State defense.

Defensively, the Buckeyes still gave up a handful of chunk yardage plays, but their overall performance was better in some respects. Brendon White relieving Jordan Fuller in the second quarter was one of the best things to happen to the Silver Bullets all season. White tallied 13 tackles in a little over a half of playing time.

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Another bright spot for Ohio State was on special teams as Keandre Jones raced to block a punt in the first quarter. The ball rolled out of the end zone which resulted the play in a safety.

Ohio State still has everything in front of them and it all starts this weekend. I believe the Buckeyes will continue to strengthen the aforementioned areas and finally put it all together for sixty minutes this weekend when they are needed the most.

The Buckeyes, first and foremost, need to win on Saturday. However, they also need to start looking as impressive as possible down the stretch. A statement win against upset-minded Michigan State on the road would be a great starting point.

Next. What an Alabama loss means for OSU and Michigan. dark

Regardless of the score, if the Buckeyes continue to take care of their business, everything will fall into place.

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