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Michigan State football: 3 quick reactions to loss against Ohio State

By Brad LaPlante

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) makes a catch against Michigan State Spartans safety Darius Snow (23) in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.Osu21msu Kwr 18
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) makes a catch against Michigan State Spartans safety Darius Snow (23) in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.Osu21msu Kwr 18 /
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) celebrates a pass break up with defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes Football
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) celebrates a pass break up with defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes Football /

2. This was a prove-it game for Ohio State’s defense

We saw it. You saw it. Ohio State’s defense came in with something to prove, and I’m sure they’ll prove it again next week in Ann Arbor.

The Buckeyes lost to Oregon because they played a team who exploited Ryan Day’s use of single-high safeties. Since that game, Day has used more diverse looks and packages. Michigan State was the first good team Ohio State has played using this strategy.

I was anticipating the Spartans’ offense to test Day’s patience with these packages and looks. The single-high safeties allowed Ohio State to contend with the run. Since then, the Buckeyes’ rush defense has not looked great.

I was hoping to see Walker have more than 25 rushing yards and hopefully a touchdown or two. That was not happening. Michigan State didn’t score until the beginning of the 4th quarter after Ohio State had replaced a lot of the roster with backups.

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