Michigan State

I have uncovered video of Urban Meyer after last year's Iowa debacle as he got ready for MSU.  And he came close. I mean that was a beat down.  Look at the Team Stats.  Sparty had 131 yards passing and only 64 rushing, yet somehow held the ball for over 35 minutes and tallied all of 3 points.

And now Ohio State travels to East Lansing. Now, while MSU is 6-4 against us either in Columbus or Indianapolis, the Buckeyes are 6-0 since 1999, and 8-1 since 1992 at Sparty.  During this unbeaten stretch, we've seen some really exciting moments. Let's stroll down memory lane for a moment, shall we?  How about 2004, when Freshman Ted Ginn, Jr. almost single-handedly beat MSU?  Or 2006 when Troy Smith had one of his many incredible moments on his way to the Heisman?  And of course, 2014, one of the most exciting (and pivotal) wins in OSU history.

So, a lot of success in East Lansing. Add to that Urban Meyer's record away from home.  6.75 seasons, and only 3 losses. 24 B1G road wins and 28 overall.  Coach gets us ready to play when we wear our road whites and have lots of opposing fans screaming at us. 

Have I mentioned that Coach Meyer has never lost 2 B1G games in a season?  He's had 2 losses on a couple of occasions (2013: B1G Champ, Orange Bowl; 2016: at PSU, Fiesta; 2017: Oklahoma, at Iowa), but he never loses 2 conference games.  We've already lost to Purdue this season, so . . . 

There is no way around it, but even at 6-3, Sparty has been a disappointment this year. A narrow win over Utah State, loss at Arizona State, losses at home to Northwestern and Michigan, and no real beat downs of opponents have made this season not one to remember. Jr QB Brian Lewerke is 16-45 for 153 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT in his last 2 games.  One of those was a win.  MSU fans might be relieved to see Freshman Rocky Lombardi take over because he was stellar in a win over Purdue. But the hallmark of the Spartan Offense, that pounding, unrelenting run game, just isn't there.

What is there is the suffocating Spartan Defense.  No. 1 in the nation versus the run giving up only 71.67 ypg.  And, MSU is No. 16 in Scoring defense at 19.0 ppg.   They do have difficulties in the passing game, however, ranking 98th (253.4 ypg). Coincidentally, passing the ball is one of Ohio State's strengths, as the Buckeyes are No. 3 in Passing Offense at 369.10 ypg.  And we all have faith that the coaching staff is working out our running problems, and with Haskins' ability to throw on MSU, the running game should open up.  Past success in East Lansing and we get on the bus with a W.

But, how well do you know your Klingon proverbs?  Well, you should know them. For all the talk about how Michigan is on a "Revenge tour," the Master of Revenge just may be Mark Dantonio.  Coach Happy Face is 7-3 S/U in Revenge games since 2013.   Sparty is also 6-2 ATS as a Home Dog.  He's already done it versus the Buckeyes coming into the Shoe in 2015 and beating that undefeated team that should have been in the playoff.   You think he doesn't remember 48-3?

Vegas has Ohio State as a 3.5 favorite.  Spartan Stadium usually gives MSU a 4.5 point edge (per Phil Steele), so they are trying to tell you the Buckeyes would win by 8 on a neutral field.  Not. Buying. It. Michigan's defense will shut off our running game and Haskins may have to throw 60 times for us to move the ball.  That's 60 times of Isaiah Prince dropping back to protect Haskins.  How many times do you think Sparty hits No. 7?  And hits him hard?   Meanwhile, our defense will make MSU's hapless offense look like Alabama.  

Everyone is wondering if Ohio State controls its own destiny - if the Buckeyes win out will we make the playoff?  Well, wonder no more because that dream comes to a screeching halt at 3:15 p.m. EST on Saturday, when the clock should hit all zeroes.  Temperature at kickoff?  30 degrees. That's cold.  Klingon proverb fulfilled.

Schaef says:  Michigan State 31, Ohio State 28.  Take Sparty and the points, bet the over (52).

P.S.  Fortunately, I will be at Walt Disney World (Hollywood Studios to be more precise) during the game so I will not be able to watch.  Last time we were at Disney during an Ohio State game, this happened.  Good times, good times.  Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt are the best.