Michigan St. vs. Ohio St.: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Spartans Must Make

Michigan State is in control, both in momentum and on the scoreboard as we approach halftime here. But a 7-0 lead against a rival opponent on the road is dangerous. Especially when that opponent is Ohio State. 

They need to step on the throat of the Buckeyes and keep putting points on the board. The defense is stepping up huge right now, but there is always room for improvement. 

Here are five big adjustments Michigan State can make at halftime:

1. Keep Bringing the Pressure

Braxton Miller is a big, quick quarterback, but he's still a freshman. This is a huge game to open the conference and they need to test his mettle and see if they can get him running around or making bad decisions. He's mobile, but nothing he's done today will give him confidence.

Let Jerel Worthy loose on those blitz schemes and let him shake up Miller a little bit. He threw one interception that was actually a good pass, but if you can get him on his heels, he will be forced to throw into coverage again. Another interception would absolutely kill the Buckeyes' momentum.

2. Don't Let Up

Again, this is a huge road game and the first conference game. The Spartans snagged the momentum early and haven't been able to take advantage of that. In Columbus, any kind of advantage you can have to take the crowd out of the game will be unbelievably helpful.

Michigan State needs to lay it on in the second half and run up the score. None of that mercy rule stuff; just keep unleashing the Cousins-to-Cunningham connection. A couple more scores on the board essentially puts this game out of reach the way Ohio State's offense is moving right now.

3. Don't Focus TOO Much on the Run Game

I know that Ohio State is running the ball a lot and it hasn't really gone anywhere. That's all the more reason to be wary of them switching up the play-calling in the second half. They need to make sure they don't get caught on their heels and burned for a big play that swings the momentum.

Miller is a much better runner than thrower, and he's showed it so far. The Spartans can not allow him to make some big throws and feel more comfortable in the pocket. Just keep it in the back of your mind that Luke Fickell and his offense are going to figure it out and start throwing the ball.

4. O-Line: Don't Let Up

Cousins has had a lot of time to throw so far. He's a great quarterback who probably won't miss open receivers. If they keep giving him a good amount of space and time in the pocket, they can put more points on the board and run away with a huge win.

The run game has been decent, but bigger holes can be opened up for the Spartan tailbacks. I know these guys are working hard and playing well, but they can definitely step it up to help put this game away. Limit the mistakes, pick up blitzers and give Cousins that comfortable pocket so they can march down and put another one in the end zone.

5. Take a Shot

For how well the offense has moved the ball on this defense, they should have more than seven points. I like the calls in the passing game, but they are a little conservative. Try taking another shot downfield with Cunningham. After all, that's the difference in this game so far.

Another big play touchdown would be a huge blow to Ohio State. It would deflate the crowd, and that's a huge plus in this stadium. Run a play that allows Cunningham to get open and use his skill set to make a catch, make a play and get in the end zone.