Michigan State Spartans: Buckeyes Rushing Attack Dominates

The Ohio State Buckeyes once again proved they are the team to beat in the Big Ten– they could prove to be the team to beat in the entire country before long.  Although the Michigan State Spartans were able to keep Justin Fields in check, the Buckeye running game was too much to overcome. Ohio State proved once again they belong in the same conversation with Alabama, Clemson & Oklahoma by beating the Spartans to the tune of 34-10

The Michigan State Spartans were able to hang around early in Columbus.  The tenth-ranked Spartans defense was able to neutralize Fields and the thrilling Ohio State run game.  As good as Justin Fields is, and he’s a first-round NFL talent–J.K. Dobbins will also be playing on Sundays.  Dobbins is the straw that stirs the drink for the Buckeyes.

When Dobbins is going, it opens up the dangerous passing game for Fields and company.  The Spartans played a near-perfect first quarter of football, yielding absolutely nothing on the ground.  Dobbins would eventually do his thing and break-out for 172 yards and a score on 24 totes of the rock.  But in that first quarter, Ohio State rushed 10 times for 0 yards.

In fact, the Michigan State Spartans defense was able to hold the Buckeyes to three straight three and outs to start the football game.  The issue remains the same for Mark Dantonio’s club, they’ve been unable to compliment that spectacular defense with a capable offense.

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After getting a host of three and outs, the Spartans couldn’t muster a single point.  Dantonio’s team had an opportunity to get out in front of the Buckeyes, something you need to do if you have any chance of beating this team.

I believe in beating Ryan Day’s team; you need to slow down Dobbins like MSU did in the first quarter and create pressure with your front four.  It will force Fields to continue to drop back under pressure. He can do damage with his legs, the Feilds is the whole package, at times impossible to defend.  As a defense, you’ve got to pick your poison.  Exactly what Michigan State did early, but they just weren’t able to sustain that production. Fields tossed for a pair of touchdowns and also ran one in.

On offense, Michigan State wasn’t able to run the football effectively enough, plus once they fell behind in the second quarter, it was like trying to escape quicksand for the Spartans.  The more they tried to escape, the further they sink.

Freshman back Elijah Collins carried the football 12 times for 63 yards, but MSU was forced to abandon the run by halftime.  Darrell Stewart Jr is the top pass-catcher on the team, but the senior is struggling with drops.  While the quarterback usually shoulders plenty of criticism when things are going bad, Brain Lewerke hasn’t had much help from his receivers this season.

Although the scoreboard read 34-10, it was a disastrous second quarter that made all the difference.  If you take away the 24 Buckeye points in the second, the Spartans played along with Ohio State in all three other quarters of the football game.

I don’t think anyone expected Michigan State to win the game.  The objective was to be competitive.  While Ohio State has National Championship aspirations, the Spartans will be playing spoiler the rest of the way.  MSU could be a tough matchup for Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan in the coming weeks.