College Football: Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Preview

Big Ten Conference play kicks off this week, featuring the return of Dan Persa in Northwestern's matchup against No. 24 Illinois, the blockbuster collision of No. 8 Nebraska traveling to Madison to face No. 7 Wisconsin, and the battle in the Horseshoe between the Michigan State Spartans and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Both Michigan State and Ohio State took part in agonizing Week 3 blowout losses (MSU to Notre Dame, 31-13, and OSU to Miami (FL), 24-6). However, each team is heading into this game after impressive wins—he Spartans defeated MAC opponent Central Michigan 45-7, and the Buckeyes decisively took out Colorado 37-17.

With all due respect, neither school has played a tough schedule thus far. If you take away Notre Dame and Miami (and those schools aren't performing to expectations, either), Michigan State and Ohio State's non-conference opponents currently own a combined record of six wins and 17 losses.

Therefore, this upcoming contest between the two Big Ten underachievers gives each team the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of a Top 25 ranking.

The Spartans are led by fifth-year senior quarterback Kirk Cousins and a very impressive defense. MSU averages over 400 yards of offense per game and has allowed over seven points on defense just once. Nevertheless, their 31-13 loss to the Irish shows us Sparty will struggle to run the ball against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State has been abominable on offense, especially with the passing game—they rank 109th (156.8 yards per game) through the air—which has resulted in a change at quarterback.

Luke Fickell named true freshman Braxton Miller starter for the Colorado game, and although he showed his youth at times, he made the spectacular plays that were expected of him when he was recruited.

Miller will also start against Michigan State.

Who To Watch

Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins—The Buckeyes' secondary has shown vulnerability to the pass and is still very young and inexperienced. Cousins is a developed NFL prospect and has the ability to tear through an unproven Ohio State defense with his many weapons.

Ohio State RB Jordan Hall—You would expect to see Braxton Miller in this category, but coach Fickell will lean on Jordan Hall to carry the offense and help the young signal caller through his first prime-time game.

What To Look For

Kirk Cousins will be forced to throw the ball a lot due to the ineffectiveness of the Spartans' running game against a solid Ohio State defensive line. Expect at least 40 throws from the senior QB.

You'll see Michigan State's defense load the box to contain the trio of Jordan Hall, Carlos Hyde and Jaamal Berry. This will force Braxton Miller to throw the ball—something he hasn't proven he can do just yet—and he ultimately make some poor, freshman-like mistakes.

Look for a low-scoring affair when these two defensive teams clash in Week 5.

Prediction

Special teams will be the deciding factor in this game. The Buckeyes surged last week in this area, while Michigan State has been extremely poor with several mistakes throughout the season.

Michigan State: 14
Ohio State: 16