Spartan Stadium will play host to 12th ranked Ohio State (5-1) -a 3.5-point favorite- and 20th ranked Michigan State (5-1). Since 1993 the Buckeyes are 4-1 against MSU when the Spartans are ranked.

Ohio State is 12-5 when the game is played in East Lansing and leads the series 26-12.

Javon Ringer comes into this game leading the nation with 1,112 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Spartans are not shy to give the ball to Ringer as he accounts for ninety percent of their rushing yards.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer is the man responsible for getting the ball to Ringer, but when Hoyer does pass Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham are his primary targets.

Defensively Michigan State has made 9 interceptions with five players having at least one interception. Safety Otis Wiley leads the Big Ten with 4 interceptions.

The View
Most people are focusing on the poor play of Ohio State’s offense. However, this game may be decided on the play of Ohio State’s rush defense.

In years past the Buckeyes have faced running backs with gaudy numbers and Heisman hopes that have had those numbers and dreams dashed because of Ohio State’s stifling defense.

To win this game the Buckeyes’ defense will have to add Javon Ringer to the list of highly touted running backs that have been shut down in the recent past.

Ohio State 27, Michigan State 21