Michigan State Football: Do Spartans stand chance vs. Ohio State?

Michigan State football goes to Columbus to take on Ohio State Saturday night. Does Mark Dantonio have some of that Spartan magic for this game?

I’ll admit that I was wrong about Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Before the season began, I wondered if he had what it took to be an accurate quarterback in the Big Ten. Therefore, in my way-too-early preview of this game I did have the Spartans winning.

However, as the season has gone on, I have less questions about Ohio State and more about Michigan State.

This game Saturday is another “David vs. Goliath” matchup. The Buckeyes are a juggernaut and they look unbeatable on offense and defense. They might just be the most well-rounded team in the nation, coming off a 48-7 demolition of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Michigan State fans are already nervous heading into this one, but a win is always possible when people count the Spartans out completely.

Here’s how you can watch:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Venue: Ohio Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Michigan State will have to play a near-perfect game in order win. I have not seen that from the Spartans at all this season. I’ve watched as senseless, self-inflicted penalties have stalled good drives. I’ve witnessed a lack of focus, which led to dropped passes.

I’m unable to, at the moment, envision a way that the Spartans can overcome themselves, let alone Ohio State. However, Mark Dantonio’s signature at MSU has been his defense and they must come up big Saturday. They would have to play the game of their lives in order to be in this contest in the fourth quarter. On offense, they would have to play mistake-free with no penalties, dropped passes, fumbles or taking plays off.

If MSU can do that, it could have a chance to win. But the Spartans have not been able to do this outside of Western Michigan.

Prediction

On Saturday they are not playing the Broncos as Ohio State has elite players at every position. While the Spartans hung in there last year, this is a new regime under coach Ryan Day. Michigan State plays with heart, but it will not be enough on Saturday.

Final Score: Michigan State 17, Ohio State 28