No. 3 Buckeyes Massive Favorites
At one point, Week 6’s matchup of No. 3 Ohio State vs. Michigan State was on track to be a top-15 showdown. Since Week 3, the Spartans (2-3) have lost three consecutive games by at least two scores. Now, most expect this to be a blowout win for the Buckeyes (5-0). Michigan State’s road is only getting tougher as it hits the most difficult portion of its schedule.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Ohio State vs Michigan State. We’ve plenty of NCAAF Vegas odds for you to consider.
Ohio State Buckeyes
As expected, Ohio State dominated Rutgers (49-10) in Week 5. The defense continued to impress as it allowed only 80 passing yards and three yards per rush. Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (42 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss) has been the unit’s best player. Last week, linebacker Steele Chambers joined the fun with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception. The linebacker’s to the ball has dramatically improved compared to last season.
Breakout game from #OhioState LB Steele Chambers (#22) vs. Rutgers: 11 tackles, 2.0 TFL, INT.
Love the reactionary burst and chase speed. Stock up 📈 pic.twitter.com/nA3VIKnOB4
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 3, 2022
Cornerback Denzel Burke was expected to be one of the nation’s best defensive backs. Instead, he’s taken a huge step backward. Burke has been a liability, giving up big play after big play. If these struggles continue, OSU could replace him with second-year corner JK Johnson, who has played well as Cameron Brown deals with an injury.
The offense is still rolling. Not much of a shock there. Quarterback C.J. Stroud had his worst game of the season against Rutgers as he forced the issue on too many throws. One was thrown into triple-coverage on a deep shot, which ended as an interception. The run game dominated once again as running back Miyan Williams totaled 189 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Michigan State Spartans
After debuting at No. 15 in the preseason AP Poll, Michigan State has fallen on its face. The Spartans were trailing by three possessions for most of the game against Washington, and they lost 34-7 at home versus Minnesota. Coach Mel Tucker’s 10-year, $95 million contract appears to be a major mistake. This kind of money is for coaches contending for national titles. Tucker is not that.
The Spartans sorely miss superstar running back Kenneth Walker. It has been a running back by committee approach with few explosive plays. This has put more pressure on the passing game. Quarterback Payton Thorne was not ready to deliver, despite breaking the single-season touchdown record (27) at MSU in 2021. Inaccuracies and turnovers have been an issue. In Week 5, Thorne struggled late in the 27-13 loss to Maryland. In addition, he had three turnovers against Minnesota in Week 4. Lead receiver Jayden Reed’s injuries have only magnified issues in the passing game.
The defense has struggled for the most part, especially against the pass. This problem dates back to last season. It ranks 117th in allowed completion percentage (67.4%) and 106th in allowed passing yards per game (275). Michigan State has surrendered at least 489 total yards in three consecutive games.
Ohio State vs Michigan State Injury Report
For Ohio State, starting wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (hamstring) and starting cornerback Cameron Brown (undisclosed) are questionable. Also, starting running back TreVeyon Henderson is expected to return.
For Michigan State, starting safety Xavier Henderson (leg) and starting defensive tackle Jacob Slade (undisclosed) are questionable.
Ohio State vs Michigan State Head-to-Head
Ohio State has won six straight against Michigan State. However, the Spartans have a history of being a thorn in the Buckeyes’ side. Michigan State’s 2015 and 1998 wins ruined potential national championship seasons for OSU.
Ohio State vs Michigan State Game Information
- Game: No. 3 Ohio State vs Michigan State
- Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. ET
- Ohio State vs Michigan State Live Stream: ESPN
Ohio State vs Michigan State Betting Lines
Ohio State vs Michigan State Prediction
Don’t expect the Spartans to find their footing anytime soon. Ohio State dismantled (56-7) Michigan State last season. With a worse team, MSU is in trouble. As mentioned, the Spartans had a weak secondary last year, which the Buckeyes picked apart. This is still a massive advantage for Ohio State. Plus, the Buckeyes’ defense has vastly improved while Michigan State’s offense ranks 82nd in yards per game (370.8). Ohio State will keep rolling.
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Ohio State vs Michigan State Game Summary
