Last Saturday, Michigan State traveled down to Columbus to take on the #4 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, where the Spartans were defeated 34-10 making their record now 4-2. While the score may seem lopsided, the Spartans actually gave the explosive Ohio State offense, that is ranked in the top ten in total yards and scoring in the nation, a run for its money. The Spartan defense held Ohio State to just 16 yards of offense and gave up only 3 points in the first quarter. Unfortunately, the Spartan defense eventually cracked allowing a 60 yard touchdown pass early in the 2nd quarter. That play jumpstarted the Buckeye offense who went on to raddle off 24 points and 286 yards in the 2nd quarter alone. This explosion was too much for the Michigan State offense to overcome and was the difference in the game.

The Spartan offense seemed to be out of sync from the beginning on Saturday. On just the second play of their first drive wide receiver Cody White fumbled the ball at mid field and was returned to the MSU 27 which gave Ohio State great field position. After being bailed out by a missed 37 yard field goal from Ohio State, Michigan State fumbled again on the 2nd play of their drive after a botched option toss to running back Elijah Collins. This would lead to an Ohio State field goal giving them an early 3-0 lead. The offense eventually connected later in the 2nd quarter when, Brian Lewerke connected with Darrel Stewart for a 20 yard touchdown catch to make it 10-7 OSU. However, Ohio State’s offense continued to dominate, running away with the game. The Spartans had multiple opportunities get back in the game, but sloppy play like  dropped passes and penalties derailed their chances.If you take out the 2nd quarter the game was a defensive battle where both teams struggled to move the ball.

This win for Ohio State was their first true test of the season and it showed that their offense is for real. They are now 6-0 on the season and appear to be the best team in the Big Ten East. Ohio State still has tough opponents like Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan ahead of them ,but a playoff birth may be in site for the Buckeyes. The Spartans on the other hand, fall to 4-2 on the season, so their playoff chances are all, but gone. However, the Spartans still have a chance to take down other highly ranked teams like, Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, so their season is far from over. Michigan State will need to bounce back quickly because this Saturday they have to travel again. This time to Madison to take on the #8 ranked Wisconsin Badgers at 3:30 on the Big Ten Network.