Key matchups for Ohio State-Michigan State game

Just about everything that has come before will either be validated or forgotten.

But it is still a really big deal. Despite their accolades, MI State has also squeaked by Big Ten also-rans Purdue (by three points) and Rutgers (by seven). Iowa should stay undefeated heading into the Big Ten title game.

“Malik McDowell needs to be a difference-maker in every game he’s playing”, MI State coach Mark Dantonio said.

The Buckeyes were able to play with the lead throughout the second half, seemingly doing whatever they wanted offensively.

The Spartans head to the Horseshoe to face off against the Buckeyes in a clash of playoff hopefuls. Hayes has narrowed his list to Notre Dame, Ohio State and MI State. Well, I guess we will find out in a couple of days if the Buckeyes can back up their talk. “I’m going to be ready to go”.

“Root for Ohio State to win?” 1971 All-America offensive lineman Reggie McKenzie asked incredulously. “We had them in a lot of third down and 2, third down and 3, third down and short-yardage situations and they were able to muscle it forward for the first down”.

This time out. the Buckeyes are on a 23-game winning streak and the game will be at Ohio Stadium in front of almost 105,000 people. “I know someone will say something when I walk out”. Green Bay losing at home to Detroit was so unexpected I think Aaron Rodgers did a quadruple discount double check in the locker room.

The one player who stands above all others is fifth-year senior Braxton Miller, Meyer’s quarterback the first two seasons before missing all of 2014 because of shoulder surgery. That being said, the Spartan offensive line has protected Cook consistently throughout the 2015 campaign – he’s only been sacked 12 times – allowing him ample time to dissect defensive units. The Spartans, on the other hand, have struggled with inferior opponents all season, they aren’t sure if Cook is 100% and sport a hole in the secondary the size of the Grand Canyon. On the year he has thrown for 2,482 yards with 21 TDs and just 4 INTs.

Ohio State’s scheme forces defenders to be prepared for both run and pass on every play from pretty much any formation.

MI State junior cornerback Darian Hicks is another Spartan from OH who, from all accounts, is looking for redemption after the Buckeyes’ 49-37 win in East Lansing last season. Before the season began, scores of prognosticators expected the victor of the Ohio State-Michigan State game to claim the Big Ten East and the conference championship as well.

Coach Urban Meyer said it’s basically been business as usual for veterans this week, although they might be doing a few extra video work on their own.

MI State’s defensive line, led by defensive end Shilique Calhoun, is among the best in the nation and has helped the Spartans rack up 29 sacks, tied for 14th best in the country. He threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Buckeyes in the 2013 Big Ten championship game.

Ohio State has 10 interceptions this season, and putting Cook under duress could provide a few more.

Dantonio has a chance to really build up the MI State vs. Ohio State rivalry this weekend – a rivalry which has been much more interesting over the last five years than that of the Wolverines vs. Buckeyes, but if things go south in Columbus, you likely won’t see Dantonio smirk again anytime this season (and probably not through spring training either).