Ohio State Football: Previewing the Michigan State Game

After an easy victory over Colorado, the Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1) are looking to extend their winning streak when they host Michigan State on Saturday. The Spartans (3-1) are always a strong competitor, and Ohio State knows better than to take Michigan State lightly.

Ohio State has not faced Michigan State since 2008, when the Buckeyes rolled 45-7 in East Lansing.  

Click "Begin Slideshow" to learn everything you need to know about Saturday's game against the Michigan State Spartans.. 

The Quarterbacks

Ohio State: After putting up dismal numbers last week, the Buckeye community was expecting a change. Last Thursday, coach Luke Fickell announced that freshman Braxton Miller would get the nod over senior Joe Bauserman. Miller used his quick legs to beat Colorado last week, rushing for 83 yards on 17 carries. His passing game, however, was still bleak. Though he threw two touchdowns, Miller had a paltry 38 percent efficiency rating. His inexperience can be a problem against a tough Spartan defense.

Michigan State: Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins has started for the past three years, and his experience will be noticeable. Despite MSU's loss to Notre Dame two weeks ago, Cousins still managed to throw the ball 329 yards. His performance in the season opener against Youngstown State was average, but he appears to grow stronger with each game. This season, he has thrown five touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Bottom Line: As freakishly athletic as Miller is, the advantage here goes to Michigan State. Right now, Miller is only good on the ground. He needs to connect more and learn to look downfield for open receivers.     

The Receiving Game

Ohio State: Freshman Devin Smith caught two touchdowns against Colorado. Smith, who was Miller's summer camp roommate, has clearly developed a rapport with the young quarterback. Tight end Jake Stoneburner was on fire the first few games of the season, but did not record a catch against Miami or Colorado. This of course, is attributed to the weak passing game.

Michigan State: The Spartans' receiving game is led by B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin, two seniors who have been with Cousins for quite awhile. Cunningham's only touchdown comes against Youngstown State, but last week, he averaged 22 yards per reception against Central Michigan. Martin is Cousins' No. 2 target, and his numbers are mediocre at best.

The Bottom Line: Michigan State's passing yards are 36th in the nation, and the Buckeyes are sitting at 109th overall. Once again, the receiving game is only as good as the quarterback. Look to the Spartans to take the advantage here. 

The Running Game

Ohio State: Running back Jordan Hall returned, and fans could certainly feel his presence. Hall rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown against Colorado. He is the Buckeyes' No. 1 running back, but Ohio State has a solid No. 2 in sophomore Carlos Hyde. Hyde, who took the bulk of the carries while Hall was suspended, averaged 6.7 yards per carry against the Buffaloes last week.

Michigan State: An Ohio native, Le'Veon Bell rushed for three touchdowns against Central Michigan. All in the first half.  Bell also recorded two touchdowns against YSU and another against Florida Atlantic. However, Bell was shut down against Notre Dame, only rushing for 27 yards.

The Bottom Line: Ohio State has Hall, Hyde and quarterback Miller. Together, these three easily outnumber the Spartans' Bell. Ohio State is ranked 39th in rushing yards, and the Buckeyes take the advantage.  

The Defensive Game

Ohio State: With DL Nathan Williams still sidelined with a knee injury, Ohio State has had to shuffle its players around to fill Williams' shoes. The Buckeyes' defense is 17th in the nation, allowing 15.8 points per game.

Michigan State: Safety Jarius Jones (achilles) and Antonio Jeremiah (knee) have been plagued with injuries this season. Michigan State's defense is ranked eighth in the country, but don't let that number fool you. None of its opponents have been quality (except Notre Dame, and even that is debatable). The Spartans rushing defense and passing defense are ranked 29th and 17th, respectively.

The Bottom Line: The edge is pretty even here. Ohio State has played more quality opponents, but Michigan State does a nice job controlling its opponents' passing game. There is no discernible advantage.    

The Bottom Line

Odds Shark has Ohio State at a -3 point spread, and I agree. This will be a battle, but it will be a true test for the Buckeyes before they head to Nebraska the following week. Quarterback Miller will use his speed and find confidence in receiver Smith and Verlon Reed.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 24, Michigan State 17