Three bold predictions for Ohio State football vs. Michigan State

The Ohio State football team takes on their first Big Ten opponent of the season. They travel to East Lansing to play Michigan State. The Spartans are the toughest opponent the Buckeyes have played so far this season. They aren't the hardest foe they'll face this year though.

Still, the Spartans can provide a test on just how good this Ohio State offense is. The Buckeyes have been able to cut through their opponent's defense like a hot knife through butter. Their opponents so far haven't been able to provide any sort of resistance. Michigan State at least has an average defense.

The Buckeyes aren't expecting to be upset in this game, but they need to still be on alert. Michigan State has a history of upsetting better Ohio State teams. We all remember what happened in both 2013 and 2015. They certainly don't want a repeat of that this year.

As we get closer to the game, we give you some more bold predictions. Last week, I may have had too much faith in the defense. Ohio State gave up 14 points in the first half against Marshall, something they will look to improve upon this weekend.

Our first bold prediction has to deal with the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes.

1. Will Howard will pass for over 300 yards and four touchdowns

Michigan State's top priority will be to stop the run of Ohio State. The duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are both extremely dangerous runners. This is a run-first team, so the Buckeyes will be trying to establish the run early. They should be effective, but perhaps not as effective as last year.

That opens the door for Will Howard to have a huge game. With so many resources dedicated to stop both of those great running backs, Howard will be able to get the ball out to his weapons quickly and let them do the work. Both Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith had touchdowns with a lot of YAC.

I predict that Howard will throw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. I think Smith and Egbuka get into the end zone again too. Michigan State's defense hasn't faced an offense with as many explosive offense as the Buckeyes have. They won't know who to stop on the outside.

Ohio State's passing game isn't anything complicated. Howard just gets the ball to the guys on the outside as quickly as possible and lets them do the work. I expect the same thing to happen this weekend as well. Howard should have his best day as a Buckeye so far.

The second bold prediction that we have has to do with what the Buckeye defense will do the Spartan offense.