Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Start time, live stream, TV, and more

The #4 Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans (2-3) on Saturday. The Buckeyes are back in action for the first time in two weeks, as they look to remain undefeated and continue their playoff push.

Viewing Information:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5 | Time: Noon ET

Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI

TV: ABC | Live Stream: ESPN App

Announcers: Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, and Quint Kessenich

Weather: 35 degrees, partly cloudy.

Storylines:

It has been two weeks since Ohio State last played a football game. Last weekend’s matchup against Illinois was canceled due to positive COVID-19 cases within the OSU program.

In a year of uncertainty and unpredictability, it is immensely important for the Buckeyes to play as many games as safely possible to ensure a playoff bid. Michigan State has spoiled Ohio State’s National Championship hopes twice in recent memory, in the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game, and late in the 2015 regular season.

While it will not be known who is unavailable for Saturday’s game until just two hours before kickoff, we do know Ryan Day will be unavailable to coach. Day tested positive for COVID-19 late last week and will remain in isolation this weekend. “It will probably be the hardest three hours of my life,” said Day, who will be watching the game from home.

Larry Johnson will act as Interim Head Coach, making him the first African-American to serve as Head Coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Johnson has been the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach under Ryan Day and has been on OSU’s coaching staff since 2014. This will be his first game as a Head Coach since 1993 when he was on the sidelines for T.C. Williams (VA) High School.

The Buckeyes look to make significant improvements in the final two-three weeks of the Big Ten season. The pass defense currently ranks in last place among all Big Ten teams. Justin Fields, while still making great plays, did struggle against Indiana two weeks ago.

Fields tossed a career-high three interceptions and made some poor decisions. Perhaps some encouragement and instant feedback from Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson may help. Wilson will move from the press box to the sidelines this week, saying he wants to be able to “look Justin in the eyes.” Fields is an elite QB and is fully expected to bounce-back and close his collegiate career strongly.

All-white uniforms return this week! The uniforms were supposed to be worn against Illinois last week, but after the cancelation, they were hung back on the shelf. Players want to wear them this week against MSU.

Series History:

Ohio State leads the all-time series 33-15 and has won four straight over the Spartans, and 13 of-the-last 16. MSU was one of the few B1G teams to hand Ohio State three losses in the 2010s (2011, 2013, and 2015).

Odds:

The Buckeyes currently sit as 24-point favorites over Sparty, with an over/under of 59.5, according to ESPN.