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Ohio State Football: Predictions for Buckeyes vs. Spartans

By Charlie Lockhart

COLUMBUS, OH - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks free for a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks free for a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Fields #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs passes against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on September 15, 2018 at Sanford Stadiuym in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Fields #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs passes against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on September 15, 2018 at Sanford Stadiuym in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Tom:

Ohio State has had its fair share of struggles against Michigan State over the years.  Mark Dantonio is the only Big Ten coach to have reasonable success against the Buckeyes.

Can he find a way to make this game competitive?

Part of me thinks his team is not deep enough to have a legitimate shot.  Then I remember that Dantonio is a master at getting his team to elevate its play against better teams.

He’ll need a near perfect game from his team to pull the upset. I don’t think he’ll get it.

Indiana exposed some holes in the Spartans’ defense last week that the Buckeyes can exploit, especially throwing the ball.

Justin Fields will have success in stretching the field early in the game.  As Michigan State adjusts, he and J.K Dobbins will strike on the ground. The offensive versatility will be tough for the Spartans to contain.

The keys for the Buckeyes are simple.  Win the line of scrimmage, protect the ball, be efficient on first down, score in the red zone and keep everything in front of them on defense.

After a close first half, Ohio State will take control in the third quarter and open up a comfortable lead in the fourth.

Ohio State wins 37-18.

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