MY THOUGHTS.....Michigan State

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes came out in Spartan Stadium on fire and this time, there was no second-half lapse, as they demolished Michigan State 52-12.  They did it despite being without head coach Ryan Day, three assistant coaches, and starters at left tackle, center, right tackle, and middle linebacker.  Larry Johnson took the coaching duties and Justin Fields was the story of the game as he rebounded withy aplomb from a tough outing against Indiana.  Fields lit up the Spartans’ defense for four touchdowns as the Buckeyes racked up 521 total yards, 322 on the ground.  Harry Miller moved from left guard to center and had his share of mishaps with snaps in the first half but improved as the game wore on.  Matthew Jones and Enokk Vamahi played well at left guard and Dewand Jones did well in place of Thayer Munford .  The makeshift offensive line came together allowing the rushing attack to record a season-high 322 yards and 6.7 yards per carry.  Both Trey Sermon and Justin Fields recorded over 100 yards on the ground.  Sermon had his best day ever with 112 yards rushing and scored his first Ohio State touchdown on a 64-yard run and Fields had 102 yards and two scores.  It was obvious Michigan State’s defense would not be able to handle Chris Olave, as he had a career day with ten catches for 139 yards and a score. 

                The defense was lights out, this time for the entire game as MSU quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who had played well this season up to this point, could not get into any sort of rhythm.  Lombardi was a mere 5-of-11 for 33 yards and a pick before he went out with an injury.  MSU’s running game fared just as poorly, being held to 81 yards and less than three yards per carry.  Haskell Garrett’s pick-six was the highlight, tipping a Lombardi pass in the air in the end zone and catching it for an instant touchdown.  Butkus Award semifinalist LB Pete Werner led the team in tackles with eight, while Marcus Williamson and Justin Hilliard had outstanding efforts with six and five tackles respectively.   The Buckeyes welcomed back kicker Blake Haubeil, who resumed his duties after recovering from a groin injury suffered in the Penn State game.  He hit on his one field goal attempt, a 27-yarder, and all seven of his PATs. 

                Next up, assuming COVID-19 will permit it, is the annual rivalry game against Michigan.  The Buckeyes have been installed as a 30-point favorite, which is the most either team has ever been favored in The Game.  The next most was in 2014 when Ohio State was favored by 21 and in 2008 when they were favored by 20.  It is the seventh time in the last 13 years Ohio State has been a double-digit favorite in The Game.  But it is called The Game for a reason.  It is still a rivalry and, assuming Michigan can play, expect them to bring their best effort.