Michigan State football: What can we expect from Ohio State in Week 11?

Michigan State football takes Ohio State in East Lansing this Saturday. Can the Spartans avenge last year’s blowout loss with an injured Brian Lewerke?

Ohio State won last week at the Horseshoe, however, the win felt like a loss, because it was only a five-point victory against hapless Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are 2-7 on the season and pushed the Buckeyes to the brink on the road.

Questions have been circling OSU since their road loss to Purdue. In that defeat, Ohio State did not reach 100 yards rushing, which has been a major concern.

The Ohio State defense has looked shaky all season long. Controversy has swirled about the Buckeye program and head coach Urban Meyer all offseason and into the 2018 campaign. The loss to Purdue was one that was bound to happen. The Buckeyes allowed Minnesota to hang around the previous week.

The Buckeyes do not have that big bruising running back like they have had in the past like Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliot. However, what they lack in size they make up for in speed. J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber represent a duo that if not contained can burn opposing defenses. Dobbins has rushed for 684 yards while Weber has 607.

Quarterback Dwayne Haskins tends to stay in the pocket to make plays as a dark-horse Heisman contender. Haskins is not a threat to run for a first down, but he will beat you with his arm. He has thrown over 3,000 yards and has 32 touchdowns.

Senior Wide Receiver Parris Campbell is a deep threat with 56 receptions and over 600 yards receiving. He is a big play with season-long of 71 yards. Junior K.J. Hill is another explosive athlete for the Buckeyes leading the team in yardage with 695 yards. Senior Johnnie Dixon is the third wideout who can beat you in the passing game. He led all receivers against Nebraska.

Ohio State has playmakers all over the offensive side of the ball. The loss of graduating center Billy Price has affected their rushing attack, at times.

Ohio State recruits the best of the best when it comes to players. They have not been executing on defense, which has allowed teams to run on them. They allowed Oregon State running back Artavis Pierce to get 168 yards on 11 carries in the opener. It was a sign of things to come.

Ohio State cannot stop the run and Michigan State was finally able to run the pigskin last Saturday at Maryland. It will be expecting a run-first game plan from the Spartans especially since Brian Lewerke’s shoulder is not 100 percent. Lewerke can be the starter, but he limits MSU on offense when he’s not at full-strength. OSU is an explosive team and Michigan State has already shown a tendency to allow the big play. It helps that Josiah Scott is back, however, the MSU defensive line will need to get to Haskins.

Prediction: Ohio State 24, Michigan State 17. Lewerke is going to turn the ball over. He’s not right and head coach Mark Dantonio’s loyalty to his quarterback is nice, but it’ll cost MSU a win on Saturday. I love what Lewerke brings to the table, however, shutting it down could be the best thing for him in my opinion. It appears Dantonio is attempting to avoid a QB controversy, however, by trotting an injured one onto the field, he is also inviting one.

It’s not that I think Ohio State is better but rather it knows what MSU is going to do. It’s no secret and despite Ohio State’s struggles on the defensive side of the ball, I anticipate this to be a defensive game for three quarters. Quarterback play will be the difference in this game on both sides.