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Defensive-minded Mel Tucker not interested in ‘shootout’ with Ohio State
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Ohio State has the best offensive in college football. Michigan State has connected on a ton of explosive plays this season. On paper, it looks like Saturday’s showdown in Columbus is going to result in a lot of points.
Mel Tucker has no interest in that happening.
Previewing Michigan State’s upcoming Top 10 showdown against Ohio State, Tucker said he really has no interest in getting into a “shootout” with the Buckeyes. He said the thought alone makes him want to vomit.
“I’m not in the shootout business,” Tucker said, per Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press.
Tucker says the phrase "shootout" makes him want to vomit
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 15, 2021
Tucker: “I’m not in the shootout business.” Wants to hold teams to low numbers on defense to win.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 15, 2021
Ohio State enters this weekend’s matchup averaging 46.3 points per game and just lit up a solid Purdue defense in a 59-31 victory. Michigan State brings in a 34.6 points per game average and has surrendered 30 points or more 3 times this season.
With the weapons Ohio State has all over the field, keeping the Buckeyes out of the end zone is going to be a challenge. But that’s the goal for Tucker and his team.
If the Spartans are able to get some stops, it goes without saying they’ll be in a much better position to pull off the upset.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB