Michigan State Football: 3 reasons Spartans can upset No. 3 Ohio State

This is a familiar position. Michigan State football is a heavy underdog heading into Saturday’s game at Ohio State despite both teams being ranked in the top 10.

That, folks, is what you call disrespect.

Michigan State is hoping to win and stay in control of its own destiny while Ohio State is trying to avoid another home stumble against a ranked team. The Buckeyes need this win to add to its resume. Michigan State needs this win to stay alive in the Big Ten title hunt.

Here’s why the Spartans could shock college football and beat Ohio State on Saturday.

3. Red zone defense

If there’s one thing on the defensive side of the ball that I have to give Michigan State credit for this season, it’s the fact that the Spartans have been solid in the red zone.

In an unbelievable 42 trips, teams have scored just 18 touchdowns. While that may not seem like an impressive number, holding a team to field goals or no points more than 50 percent of the time is fantastic. Michigan State has allowed 17 red-zone field goals and seven scoreless drives that ended inside the 20. That could help the Spartans here.

Ohio State is going to get to the red zone quite a bit, but if Michigan State wants to have a chance, it must hold the Buckeyes to field goals. If the Spartans can do that and score touchdowns, I think they have a real shot.

Red zone defense (keeping OSU to field goals) will keep Michigan State alive.