MY THOUGHTS.....Michigan State

 

The only home night game on Ohio State’s schedule resulted in a 38-3 win over a struggling Michigan State squad.  Flipping the script as of late, the Buckeyes came out strong and scored all but three of their points in the first half. 

                Kyle McCord turned in his best game to date, completing 24-of-31 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns.  McCord showed better footwork, which seemed to improve his accuracy.  His most outstanding throws were the 26-yasrder to Marvin Harrison Jr. for the second touchdown of the game, and his TD throw to Cade Stover, throwing into a very tight window, near the end of the first half.  TreVeyon Henderson led the way on the ground with 63 yards and a touchdown, while Marvin Harrison Jr. and Cade Stover each had seven receptions. 

                As Coach Day emptied the bench in the second half, we got to see a couple of new faces for the first time.  With QB Devin Brown still out, freshman Lincoln Kienholz was inserted after Kyle McCord was relieved.  Kienholz completed two of his three passes for 14 yards.  Freshman TE Jelani Thurman also made his first appearance and promptly caught two passes for 14 yards.

                The defense was missing starting safeties Josh Proctor and Lathan Ransom and leading tackler, LB Tommy Eichenberg, but still held the Spartans to a mere 182 total yards, two-of-14 on third downs, and three points.  Davison Igbinosun led the way with five tackles, along with Cody Simon.  Malik Hartford stepped in for Proctor and did a fine job, with four tackles and a sack. 

                The Buckeyes played their best game of the season from a penalties and turnover standpoint.  It was the first time in four games they didn’t have a turnover and committed just three infractions for 25 yards, their lowest of the season. 

                Next week, Ohio State welcomes Minnesota to the ‘Shoe for a 4 PM kickoff before travelling to Ann Arbor for The Game.