It is a Big Ten showdown on Saturday when the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) and the Michigan State Spartans (2-3) do battle. Michigan State will play host for this matchup at Spartan Stadium and kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm ET.
Ohio State has been battling COVID–19 issues for a couple weeks now, the same issues that forced them to cancel their game with Illinois last weekend. In fact, head coach Ryan Day will be missing this game after testing positive last week. Still, all indications are that this game is a go, despite the fact that the Buckeyes will likely be shorthanded this week as they deal with positive tests and contact tracing.
Michigan State comes into this one riding high after upsetting No. 14 Northwestern last week, 29-20. Despite an up and down season, the Spartans are hope to have back-to-back home upsets as they host Ohio State. The Spartans are certainly not the perennial powerhouse they used to be, but they also cannot be looked past, something Northwestern found out last week.
Despite being the road team, Ohio State is the overwhelming favorite in this one. They are -2000 to win while the Spartans are +920. The spread features Michigan State +23.5 while the over/under for total points is 59.5.
Ohio State Looking To Make Statement Amongst Adversity
At 4-0, the Buckeyes are one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, but their lack of games have left some questions in people’s minds. For that reason, the Buckeyes will look to get back on the field, even if it is partially shorthanded due to COVID, and make a statement against the Spartans.
Leading the way for the Buckeyes is quarterback Justin Fields. He has thrown for 1,208 yards, 13 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions this season. He has also rushed 42 times for 135 yards and another 3 scores.
His best receivers have included Garrett Wilson (31 receptions, 513 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Chris Olave (26 receptions, 389 yards, 4 touchdowns). Tight end Jeremy Ruckert only has 9 catches for 60 yards, but he is third in scoring with 3 touchdowns.
On the ground, Master Teague III has led the way with 73 rushes for 380 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Can Spartans Shock Two Ranked Teams In Two Weeks?
Michigan State knows that it is a rebuilding year, but nothing would make them happier, and give them confidence, like pulling off back-to-back upsets over ranked teams. They will try to do that as they host Ohio State Saturday.
Leading the way for the Spartans is quarterback Rocky Lombardi. He has thrown for 1,057 yards but has a 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio, something he has to improve on. Despite upsetting Northwestern, he was just 11 for 27 for 167 yards, although he did have 2 touchdowns.
The Spartans have a trio of solid receivers as Jalen Nailor (16 receptions, 379 yards, 2 touchdowns), Jayden Reed (22 receptions, 252 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Ricky White (10 receptions, 223 yards, 1 touchdown).
On the ground, they have a two-headed monster in Connor Heyward (52 rushes, 179 yards) and Jordon Simmons (42 rushes, 147 yards). The problem is neither of them have found the endzone yet.
Buckeyes Win, But Can They Cover?
I am not sure that Michigan State can find a genie in a bottle two weeks in a row and pull off the upset against the fourth-ranked team. Still, the question is less about whether they can win this one and more about whether they can cover the 23.5-point spread.
It is an interesting matchup, especially given that the Buckeyes program is in disarray due to COVID-19. They are without their head coach and will likely be without some of their regulars (although exact knowledge of whom is unknown). Long story short, I like the Buckeyes to win this one, but I think the Spartans cover the 3+ touchdown spread.
