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Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Prediction and preview
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Ohio State vs. Michigan State brings a B1G East battle to fans in Week 6 with 2 teams heading in different directions this season. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 4 p.m. ET on ABC.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State preview
While Ohio State will prep for Michigan State’s best shot in East Lansing, it’s fair to wonder and question if that best shot from the Spartans will even test the Buckeyes. Mel Tucker’s squad is coming off 3-straight losses and has yet to beat a Power 5 program this season.
The full story on Michigan State’s defense is also concerning. The unit is giving up over 400 yards of offense per game and has shown a struggle getting off the field on 3rd downs.
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GET THE APPAgainst Maryland, the Spartans showed some growth with the ability to get stops in the second half. However, Michigan State already trailed in the game and was never really able to put pressure on the Terrapins on either side of the ball.
It is true the Spartans are dealing with a number of injuries, but Ohio State can make the same claim early in 2022. The big difference is depth, and Tucker is still trying to provide that on both sides of the ball.
For Ohio State, Ryan Day’s squad has juggled the injuries well with its depth to open the year with a number of contributors stepping up each time. In Week 5, it was running back Miyan Williams stepping up with a record-tying performance after TreVeyon Henderson was a late game-time decision against Rutgers.
Williams rushed for 5 touchdowns, tying the single-game program record of the Buckeyes held by two other players. It was the first 5-touchdown game for Ohio State since the 1980s.
Though the passing attack was not relied on heavily against the Scarlet Knights, there’s not a lot that needs to be said about CJ Stroud and that dimension for Ohio State. Even without Jaxon Smith-Njigba — who continues to nurse a hamstring injury — the Buckeyes have proven potent when needed at the receiver position.
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Stroud has thrown for 18 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions so far in 2022 while spreading the ball around. Emeka Egbuka currently leads the team with 512 receiving yards while Marvin Harrison Jr. has 405 receiving yards and a team-high 6 touchdowns. Cade Stover has also introduced the element of a play-making tight end with 200 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State prediction
With Ohio State’s renewed focus on a balanced offensive attack and a much-improved defense led by Jim Knowles, it is hard to see Saturday turning into a competitive game against the Spartans. Mel Tucker’s squad continues searching for answers and a spark in 2022, but it feels unrealistic to expect that spark to come against the Buckeyes.
Prediction: Ohio State 41, Michigan State 13
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.