Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2018 preview vs. Ohio State
By Stephen Robb
Michigan State got punched in the face in 2017 against Ohio State. Can this young Spartan team take the next step and compete?
This is a way-too-early preview of the Ohio State against MSU. There could be depth chart changes, injuries, and departures. Last year it was a 48-3 trouncing at the Horseshoe. But this year it will be at Spartan Stadium. Will that make a difference?
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It will. But what will make more of a difference is having an experienced offensive and defensive lines. Michigan State flat out got beat in the trenches. Then-quarterback J.T. Barrett took advantage. Currently, it’s perceived by many that Dwayne Haskins will be the next starting quarterback for Ohio State. He played well against Michigan and got the Buckeyes the victory.
Ohio State lost countless players to the NFL and while they are merely reloading this year the loss of center Billy Price is a huge hole. He was the quarterback on the offensive line and his loss will be felt in 2018. When this November game rolls around will OSU figure things out by then? Of course. If MSU’s defensive line is as good as pundits are talking about then this be a close game.
Ohio State has speed, but MSU has slowly recruited a better athlete and this gap is tighter. Last year’s was not about how much speed OSU had, but rather MSU’s inability of it’s front seven to get a push. Brian Lewerke was working with a young offensive line, with the exception of graduating senior Brian Allen. MSU will have early tests like Penn State and Michigan that will give a clue to whether or not they can beat OSU.
Prediction: A month ago, I predicted that MSU would lose this game. Now, I’m thinking that MSU could use the home crowd advantage and squeak out a victory. I go back and forth on this contest and could change my mind by November, depending how the teams are playing.
Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions
Michigan State 24, OSU 21. Lewereke leads the Spartans down the field for a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.