The Ohio State Michigan State game is one of the most anticipated college football matchups of the year. It is a rivalry that has been in existence since 1897, and the two teams have competed for the Big Ten title several times. This year’s game was especially important, as it was the final game of the regular season and the winner would be crowned Big Ten champions. The stakes could not have been higher, as the winner would have a chance to play in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State Pre-Game Preview
Going into the game, Ohio State was the clear favorite. The Buckeyes had won all of their regular season games and had a perfect 12-0 record. Ohio State was also the top-ranked team in the nation and had the best offense in college football.
Led by Heisman Trophy candidate J.T. Barrett, the Buckeyes were a force to be reckoned with on offense. Barrett had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, and had also rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Ohio State offense was also bolstered by running back Mike Weber, who had rushed for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. The Buckeyes had one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, and many pundits believed that they were the team to beat.
Michigan State Pre-Game Preview
Michigan State was the underdog going into the game, but the Spartans had a few advantages. The Spartans had the top-ranked defense in the country and had allowed the fewest points per game. Michigan State also had a very talented running back in L.J. Scott, who had rushed for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Spartans had one of the best defensive lines in the nation, led by defensive end Shilique Calhoun, who had 5.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. The Michigan State defense had been a force all season long and was going to be the key to their success against the Buckeyes. The Spartans also had the advantage of playing at home in East Lansing, which would give them a huge emotional boost.
The Game
The Ohio State Michigan State game was a hard-fought battle between two of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes got off to a fast start, as J.T. Barrett connected with Noah Brown for a 65-yard touchdown pass to give Ohio State an early 7-0 lead. The Spartans responded with a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3.
The Buckeyes continued to push the pace, as J.T. Barrett connected with Curtis Samuel for a 21-yard touchdown pass to give Ohio State a 14-3 lead. The Spartans responded with a touchdown of their own, as L.J. Scott scored on a 7-yard run to cut the lead to 14-10.
The Buckeyes continued to dominate offensively, as J.T. Barrett connected with Noah Brown for a 36-yard touchdown pass to give Ohio State a 21-10 lead. The Spartans responded with a touchdown of their own, as Tyler O’Connor connected with R.J. Shelton for a 24-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 21-17.
The game remained close throughout the rest of the game, but the Buckeyes were able to hold on and win the game by a score of 17-16.
Key Players
The Ohio State Michigan State game saw several key players have a major impact on the outcome of the game. On the Ohio State side, J.T. Barrett had an impressive performance, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Noah Brown and Curtis Samuel both had big games, catching a combined nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Weber also had a solid performance, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown.
For the Spartans, L.J. Scott had a big day, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown. Tyler O’Connor threw for 173 yards and a touchdown, and R.J. Shelton had a big day, catching six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Michigan State defense was also impressive, as they held the Buckeyes to just 16 points.
Reaction
After the game, both teams were understandably pleased with their performances. Ohio State was elated to be crowned Big Ten champions and to have a chance to play in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes were led by J.T. Barrett, who was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
The Spartans were also pleased with their performance, as they held one of the best teams in the nation to just 16 points. The Spartans also had a chance to win the game late in the fourth quarter, but a missed field goal prevented them from doing so.
Team Rankings
The Ohio State Michigan State game had a major impact on the rankings of both teams. The Buckeyes rose to the No. 2 spot in the AP Poll, and were also ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Spartans rose to No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Legacy
The Ohio State Michigan State game was one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The game was a hard-fought battle between two of the best teams in the Big Ten, and the winner was crowned Big Ten champions. The game also had a major impact on the rankings of both teams, and it will certainly go down as one of the most memorable games in the history of the rivalry.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Michigan State game was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes came out on top and were crowned Big Ten champions, and they rose to the No. 2 spot in the AP Poll and No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Spartans also rose in the rankings, to No. 8 in the AP Poll and No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings. This year’s game will surely go down as one of the most memorable in the rivalry, and it was certainly a great way to end the regular season.