Spartans Seek Redemption Against Mighty Buckeyes

The Lansing State Journal's columnist Graham Couch breaks down Michigan State's upcoming football clash against the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes, set to kick off at 7:30 PM on Saturday. The game will be streamed live on Peacock, with Ohio State entering as heavy favorites, holding a -24 point spread.

Spartans Aim to Upset Odds and Topple Titans

Aidan Chiles and MSU's Playmakers: The Key to Competitiveness

Michigan State's offense will need to find a way to generate explosive plays, sustain drives, and capitalize on every scoring opportunity if they hope to keep this game competitive. Quarterback Aidan Chiles has shown the ability to be a dynamic playmaker, but he's also prone to making costly mistakes that can derail drives. For the Spartans to have a chance, Chiles will likely need to play a near-flawless game. Beyond Chiles, MSU will need their top playmakers, such as Nick Marsh and Jaron Glover, to make their presence felt and make plays against an Ohio State defense that boasts an abundance of talent and depth.The Buckeyes' defense presents a daunting challenge unlike anything the Spartans have faced so far this season. Chiles and his receivers will have less time and space to operate, forcing them to elevate their execution to new heights. This matchup will provide valuable insights into the true upside of MSU's quarterback and the weapons around him.

Offensive Line Showdown: Can MSU Hold Its Own?

This is where the game could potentially get out of hand for the Spartans. Ohio State's defensive front is a formidable unit, with experienced and talented players. The Buckeyes have yet to face a power-conference opponent, but their body of work from last season suggests they are a force to be reckoned with. In contrast, MSU's offensive line has struggled to consistently control the line of scrimmage against non-power-conference competition, raising concerns about their ability to hold up against the Buckeyes' imposing defensive front.For the Spartans to have a chance, their offensive line must find a way to hold its own. They need to keep Aidan Chiles from being under constant duress and allow the running game to gain positive yardage, even if it's just a yard or two at a time. If the offensive line can at least be serviceable in pass protection and establish a modest running game, it could open up other possibilities for the Spartans' offense. The path to a competitive game begins with MSU's offensive line not getting overwhelmed.

Containing Ohio State's Passing Attack: A Tall Task

There are some questions surrounding Ohio State's new starting quarterback, Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State. While Howard is a capable runner with power in his legs and a decent passer, it remains to be seen if he can elevate the Buckeyes' passing game to the same level as the previous regime led by C.J. Stroud.Ohio State's offense under new coordinator Chip Kelly has featured more short and intermediate passing, as well as quick-hitting plays, rather than the deep ball that Stroud excelled at. It's unclear how much of this is due to Kelly's philosophy, Howard's strengths, or a conscious effort by the Buckeyes to not show too much against inferior competition. Regardless, this approach could give MSU's pass rush less time to get home, but it may also provide the Spartans' defensive backs with more opportunities to make plays in front of them.The Buckeyes' offense is still loaded with talent, especially at the wide receiver position, and that might be enough to overwhelm the Spartans. However, MSU would be wise to try to make Howard an uncomfortable passer and disrupt the rhythm of the Ohio State passing attack.

MSU's Defensive Front: A Potential Bright Spot

This could be an area where the Spartans can find some success and make this game competitive. MSU's defensive front, including the defensive line and linebackers, is a legitimately strong unit, and defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has shown the ability to get the best out of them. The Spartans lead the Big Ten in sacks (15) and are the conference's best red zone defense so far this season. They've tackled well in space and applied consistent pressure on opponents.This group will be facing an Ohio State offensive line that has some questions surrounding it. While the Buckeyes have been in control up front for the most part, the competition they've faced so far hasn't allowed for a true evaluation of their offensive line. Facing the Spartans' stout defensive front will be a significant test. If MSU can disrupt the Buckeyes' running game and make quarterback Will Howard uncomfortable, it could keep this game competitive for a while.

Spartans' Resolve: A Test of Mental Toughness

This is the type of game where Michigan State can do a lot of things right and still find themselves in a position where everything seems to go wrong. The defense might work tirelessly to get the Buckeyes off the field, only to have the offense go three-and-out or turn the ball over. Or the offense could show some spark, only to be stuffed on a crucial fourth-and-short situation.If the Spartans want to make this a competitive game, they'll need to demonstrate resilience and mental toughness. They've shown the ability to bounce back from adversity this season, particularly in their road wins at Maryland and Boston College. This will be another test of the Spartans' resolve, and their ability to dust themselves off and approach each play with focus and discipline will be crucial.