East Lansing, Mich.—-Heavily favored 3rd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) came to East Lansing to battle the Michigan State Spartans “Rivalry renewed.” The Buckeyes lead the rivalry 34-15, winners of the last six meetings with a combined score of 233 to 54.
Mel Tucker’s Michigan State Spartans are at a crossroads of their season coming into Saturday’s matchup. The clear underdog, the Spartans can possibly salvage the 2-3 lethargic first half of the season with a huge upset victory over the powerhouse Buckeyes.
It will be a very difficult task to beat Ryan Day’s buckeyes led by Heisman hopeful QB CJ Stroud who is having a remarkable start to the season with 18 touchdown passes (3rd in the nation) The high-octane Buckeyes’ offense is number one in the country in scoring with 48.8 per game. TreVevon Henderson will get the majority of the carries with leading rusher Miyan Williams out for today’s game. Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. have 54 receptions 917 yards and 11 touchdowns combined for one of the nation’s best duos. The Buckeyes’ aerial attack has dominated the opposing secondary without the pre-season wide receiver All-American candidate Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Ohio State was too much for the Spartans. Marvin Harrison Jr. made a twisting, leaping catch to catch the football that was near his cleats for his third touchdown to help CJ Stroud tie a school record with six touchdown passes as No. 3 Ohio State beat Michigan State 49-20 win on Saturday.
“I’m not really happy right now and I’m going to keep it short,” coach Mel Tucker told reporters.
The Buckeyes started off the game with an interception by Lathan Ransom in the end zone. OSU quickly capitalized off the turnover, stream rolling down field for 7 plays 80-yard drive. Capped off with a 19-yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr. Michigan State’s offense struggled out the gate with a turnover and two 3 and outs on MSU’s first two possessions. However, The Spartans’ defense scored on a 32-yard pick 6 by Charles Brantley to knot the game at 7.
Heisman candidate CJ Stroud answered back with a 69-yard bomb to Emeka Eguka on a 3rd and four to take the early advantage. MSU’S QB Payton Throne settled the Spartans offense down by spreading the football around to Tre Mosley & Jayden Reed. By going no huddle it kept the Buckeyes’ defense off balance. After missing last week’s game against Rutgers Treveyon Henderson looked fresh carrying the ball. He had 10 attempts for 77 yards (7.7 per attempt.) Establishing the ground attack for the Buckeyes, 93 total yards rushing in the first Quarter.
Stroud showed why he is a front runner for the Heisman trophy with a 51-yard strike to Julian Fleming for his third touchdown pass of the first half. Payton Throne’s responded with an 18-yard touchdown toss of his own to Jayden Reed to trim the lead to eight (21-13.) Ohio State marched down the field silencing the Spartans’ fateful with an 8 play 75 yards drive. Concluded with Henderson scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run to push the Buckeyes lead to 28-13.
The Buckeye’s methodically drove the ball down the field on their next possession with a well balance drive capped off with Stroud’s fourth touchdown pass of the half a 20-yard strike to Marvin Harrison Jr. (his 2nd of the game) to take a commanding 35-13 lead going into the break. CJ Stroud’s ended the half 15/18 285 yards4 TDs and 1 int. 3 different Buckeye Receiver had a touchdown reception and Henderson topped 100 yards with 117.
“It all starts with the physicality up front and running the football effectively,” OSU coach Ryan Day said. “That opens up everything else.”
Ohio State Buckeyes received the ball to begin the second half. They moved the ball with ease, going 9 plays for 96 yards. Ending the drive with Stroud’s 5th touchdown pass of the game on a miraculous 18-yard dart to Marvin Harrison Jr. (his 3rd TD of the game) to extend their lead to 42-13.
Buckeye’s defense sacked MSU QB Payton Throne twice by Jerron Cage & Michael Hall Jr on two straight passing attempts to force a three and out. The second drive of the half all but cement the victory with an overwhelming offensive of display. CJ Stroud got his 6TH touchdown pass of the contest with a 2-yard pass to tight-end Gee Scott Jr. to seal the game 49-13. OSU’s defense at the end of three quarters only allowed 105 total yards and -8 yards on the ground.
In mop up duty, MSU backup QB Noah Kim threw a late 25 yards touchdown pass to Montorie Foster making the Final score 49-20. The #3 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes increase their record to 6-0 and 3-0 in big ten conference play. Michigan State Spartans fall to 2-4, 0-3 in big ten conference play.
Michigan St. Spartans (2-3)
Big Ten Conference (0-2)
Head Coach Mel Tucker
Leading passer: Payton Thorne 1,121 yds 64.2% 8 tds 6 ints
Leading rusher: Jalen Berger 59 att. 301 yds 5.1 avg 4tds
Leading Receiver: Keon Coleman 25 rec 308 yds 12.3 avg 3 tds
Sacks leader: Jacoby Windmon 5.5 sacks 8 tackles for loss
Ohio State Buckeyes 3rd ranked (5-0)
Big Ten Conference (2-0)
Head Coach Ryan Day
Leading Passer: CJ Stroud 1,376 yds 68.7% 18 tds 2 ints
Leading Rusher: Miyan Williams 64 att. 497 yds 7.8 avg 8 tds
Leading Receiver: Emeka Egbuka 30 rec 512 yds 17.1 avg 5 tds
Sacks Leader: Tommy Eichenberg 2 sacks 42 totals tackles
UP NEXT:
Ohio State: A bye week comes at a good time to rest a banged-up backfield before hosting Iowa on Oct. 22 and playing the next week at No. 10 Penn State.
Michigan State: Hosts Wisconsin, another struggling team that is is led by an interim coach, in what seems like an opportunity to earn a desperately needed win.
