After two straight games with no shortage of offensive fireworks, No. 2 Ohio State is in a bit of a battle this afternoon on the road against Michigan State. These Spartans may be having a rough year, but they are looking to play spoiler today against the Buckeyes. At the half, Ohio State and Michigan State are tied, 10-10.
Michigan State wasted little time putting Ohio state on notice when LJ Scott took a screen pass from Tyler O’Connor 64 yards to the end zone for a touchdown on the second play of the game.
kevinmcguire: GREAT (LJ) SCOTT! ESPN College Football: Ohio State at Michigan State https://t.co/LtJng2ytis pic.twitter.com/YQitayQFfQ
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) November 19, 2016
The Buckeyes were left to send the punt team out at the end of their first offensive possession but managed to pin the Spartans deep in their end and the defense forced a three-and-out to create solid starting field position for the offense their second time out. This drive went much better for Ohio State, with JT Barrett connecting with Curtis Samuel for a 24-yard touchdown over the middle of the defense in the end zone to tie the game at 7-7.
The two teams have since exchanged field goals and turnovers as the game has shifted toward a little bit of a battle of field position. Michigan State has out-gained Ohio State after one half, but the Buckeyes have the edge in total first downs and time of possession.
Ohio State does not necessarily need to win this game in order to win the Big Ten East Division, but a loss does put the Buckeyes in a real difficult spot for the division race.