Ohio State Football vs. Michigan State: 3 keys for a Buckeye win

3. Buckeye defenders must tackle soundly, making few mistakes

Perhaps the biggest key in this game is the tackling from OSU’s defense. The threat of Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker looms large since he is so special in the open field, gaining plenty of yards after contact.

To prevent this, the Silver Bullets have to wrap up well and miss very few tackles. Walker will run wild and chunk the Buckeye defense if defenders try to arm tackle him. Poor tackling almost guarantees a good day for Walker, which will keep Ohio State’s offense off the field and give MSU the time of possession advantage.

Ohio State’s tackling has been inconsistent in recent weeks. Missed tackles were a common occurrence against Penn State, Nebraska, and Purdue. That has to be turned around.

Just because they have struggled recently, does not mean the Buckeyes cannot improve in this department. Several defenders, like Steele Chambers, Zach Harrison, and Tyreke Smith, have begun to emerge in the last month.

Chambers in particular has been outstanding at linebacker. And of course, linebackers could be the largest factor in limiting Walker in the open field. Efficient tackling will go a long way vs. MSU with a special back like Walker.

Sometimes poor one-on-one tackling can be partially covered up when defenses can swarm to the ball. Joint tackling and the Buckeye defense swarming Walker can ensure Michigan State has a rough offensive day.

For Ohio State’s defense to reach a respectable level, they have to do one of the most fundamental actions in football: tackle.

Going into Ohio State football’s noon home game vs. Michigan State, the O-line’s play, the turnover battle, and good tackling could be the three biggest keys in the game. If the Buckeyes can do all three, the Scarlet and Gray will roll to a comfortable win.

Simply beating MSU—even in a close game—will be completely fine. But dominating the Spartans would be that much sweeter, and could finally allow Ohio State to jump Oregon in the College Football Playoff rankings. Ohio State football will want to be in the best position possible if they make the playoff again, comfortably beating conference foes will be a good start.