The Ohio State Buckeyes jumped to No. 5 in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll after their impressive 28-point win over the Purdue Boilermakers in Week 11. They will look to cement their standing in the top 5 this Saturday when they square off with the Michigan State Spartans. Read our preview for a breakdown of this Michigan State vs Ohio State game.
Michigan State Spartans installed as +18 underdogs
The Michigan State Spartans bolstered their College Football Playoff bid with a 40-21 win over the Maryland Terrapins in Week 11. It was a huge bounce-back victory for the Spartans, who suffered a humiliating 40-29 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers in Week 10.
As expected, it was Kenneth Walker III who led the way for Michigan State in the Week 11 win. He ran for 143 yards and a couple of touchdowns on 30 carries against Maryland. Walker has been simply sensational on the ground for Michigan State this season, leading the nation in rushing offense with 1,473 yards this campaign. Walker will have his work cut out for him, however, against an Ohio State defense that allowed just 91 yards rushing in Week 11 against Purdue.
One guy who needs to step up for Michigan State in this crunch Big Ten showdown is Payton Thorne. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 287 yards with four touchdowns and one interception in the win against Maryland.
Related Article: New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Bucs Week 11 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and MNF Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes enter Week 12 as -18 favorites
Momentum is with Ohio State heading into Saturday's matchup against Michigan State after the Buckeyes defeated the Purdue Boilermakers, 59-31, in Week 11. It was a significant victory for the Buckeyes, who improved their season record to 9-1 and a perfect 7-0 in conference play.
Providing the impetus for Ohio State's sizzling start is its outstanding offense. They lead the nation in scoring, averaging 46.3 points per game this season. They also are ranked first in total offense, averaging 550.4 yards per game. The Buckeyes showed their offensive brilliance in the first half of their game against the Boilermakers, scoring on all seven of their possessions in the first two quarters.
Ohio State ended the first half with 45 points, an incredible achievement considering Purdue had not allowed more than 30 points in a game this year. The Buckeyes finished the game with 59 points and 624 yards of total offense.
C.J. Stroud put on quite a show for Ohio State, completing 31 of 38 passes for 361 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. He leads the Big Ten in passing offense, averaging 337.3 yards per game through the air.
Stroud is expected to give the ball in Week 12 mainly to Ohio State's three star receivers, namely: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Wilson caught 10 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns in the win against Purdue. Olave had nine catches for 85 yards and a score while Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in that win.
Writer's Prediction
Ohio State wins, but Michigan State covers the spread.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Indianapolis Colts vs Buffalo Bills Week 11 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and 2021 NFL Preview
Pats vs Falcons Week 11 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Thursday Night Football Preview
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
