Michigan St. Spartans vs Ohio St. Buckeyes Gambling Preview + Predictions
Luke Fickell is trying to win over the Buckeyes fan base, but some wonder if Mark Dantonio might be the next coach at Ohio State. Fickell was named the interim head coach after Jim Tressel was forced out in May, but speculation continues to run rampant about different names that Ohio State might be interested in.
For the time being, Dantonio leads a solid Michigan State team into the Horseshoe this Saturday afternoon in what should be an intriguing Big Ten opener.
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Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Ohio Stadium
Saturday October 1, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Ohio State (-155) Michigan State (+135)
College Football Spread: Ohio State -3 (-115) Michigan State +3 (-105)
Over/Under: 43.5
Who has the top ranked defense in the country so far this season? Not many would guess Michigan State, but the Spartans have allowed only an average of just 171 yards of total offense so far this season. Greg Jones was the unit’s leader last year, and many expected them to drop off in production this year. While the numbers are great so far this year, the opponents haven’t been. Youngstown State, Florida Atlantic and Central Michigan certainly helped inflate the Spartans defensive statistics.
Michigan State is a team that likes to dominate the line of scrimmage and run the football consistently. They have three great running backs in Edwin Baker, Le’Veon Bell, and Larry Caper. The problem right now is that they are dealing with tons of injuries along the offensive line. Kirk Cousins is a solid senior quarterback who does a nice job making good decisions with the football. B.J. Cunningham already has 29 catches in just four games, and he is a very reliable target on the outside.
Freshman Braxton Miller got the start last week against Colorado for the Buckeyes. Miller ran for 83 yards and threw for 83 yards and two scores. Clearly, the Buckeyes are going to have to get the passing game going if they are going to stay in the race for the Big Ten title. The biggest problem for this team right now is they are facing a strange situation of a lack of talent at the wide receiver spot. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Look for Ohio State to try to involve tight end Jake Stoneburner more in the passing game. Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde have both ran the football well for the Buckeyes, and Miller gives the team a dangerous runner at the quarterback spot.
The Ohio State defense has been pretty good this year. Miami gashed them in the first half a couple weeks ago, but outside of a bad half in Florida, this unit has been solid. Expect the run defense to be tested this weekend by Michigan State. Andrew Sweat and Etienne Sabino have emerged as play makers at the linebacker spot for Ohio State.
Which team can run the football better here? I expect that to be the key question that determines the winner. This should be a close game all the way to the end, but Ohio State hasn’t lost to Michigan State since 1999. I expect Ohio State to win by a touchdown.
Free College Football Pick: Ohio State -3
Score Prediction: Ohio State 24 Michigan State 17
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