Michigan State

I'm trying, you know, but as a friend has pointed out.

Unless there is complete carnage during the remaining weeks (e.g. Georgia loses to Auburn and GT, Bama loses to Miss State and Auburn, Auburn loses rematch with Georgia, ND loses to Miami or Stanford, Miami loses to ND or Clemson, Clemson loses to So Carolina, Wisconsin loses to Iowa and Ohio State, Oklahoma loses to TCU 2x, TCU loses to somebody, USC loses to UCLA, Washington loses to Wash State or USC, just as an example) the CFP is out of reach and all that is left to play for is (1) Beating Michigan, and (2) the B1G championship.  Color me spoiled but I am finding it difficult to get excited about that. . . right now.

The weather does not help. Those of you in Ohio will dip below freezing tonight and stay there for the next 36+ hours.   Three days of clouds and rain in NC make one dreary.  Thank goodness I don't have to play, only watch.

So, Sparty.  Home team has not won in series since 2007.  MSU beats us every odd year since (2009, 2011, and 2015 in Shoe, along with 2013 in B1G Championship) so, not looking so good, so far.  Just FYI, Dantonio is also 20-7 in his last 27 November games.

MSU is 2-1 S/U away this year and 1-2 ATS.  Vegas has the Buckeyes a 15.5 point favorite with 54.5 as the O/U.  Both defenses are comparable, but Ohio State has the better offense.  The question is where will Ohio State's mindset be?  The debacle in Iowa City can either be devastating or a rallying point.  I don't know if it was a blip or the sign of something bigger going on in the program.  

I believe the Buckeyes have the talent to exploit any weakness in Michigan State's defense.  I also believe our defense, if it so chooses, can make the Spartans into an offensive powerhouse.  I think Ohio State will put up points.  I also believe our kickoff coverage will stink and we will commit at least 9 penalties for 90 yards and keep at least 3 MSU drives alive.   Given Sparty's track record in the Shoe, I think the smart play is to take MSU and the 15.5.  I also think you should bet the over.

Schaef Says:  Ohio State 35, Michigan State 28