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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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Sat., Nov. 20, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY Network.Cfb Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes
Sat., Nov. 20, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch via USA TODAY Network.Cfb Michigan State Spartans At Ohio State Buckeyes /

3. Kenneth Walker III may not see a Heisman trophy

Quarterback bias with the Heisman trophy is real. That’s not to say CJ Stroud should win the Heisman. If Ryan Day went and put either Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe in over Stroud, both win the Heisman.

That’s not to say Stroud isn’t a great athlete, but most would say they’d rather have Justin Fields over him. Against the Spartans, Stroud was 32-for-35 with 432 yards and six touchdowns.

It’s certain that Walker has been able to do more with less than Stroud has been able to do. Stroud has a better offensive line and this leads to better performance via a dynamic offense, less for the defense to expect, etc.

Stroud, meanwhile, not only has a great offensive line but has three receivers who are on pace for 1,000 receiving yards this season. That’s not to say that Stroud can’t prove himself further by leading the Buckeyes to a win over Michigan and in the College Football Playoff, but it’s not impressive to watch Stroud shred a defense that is this outmatched.

If Kenneth Walker III has a breakout performance against Penn State, I think the Heisman trophy is his to lose. His Heisman moment is still valid: nearly 200 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns against Michigan. His credibility this season still hangs in the balance.

This may have been one of the worst defensive games I have seen in my lifetime, worse than the Spartans’ efforts against Purdue. It stings, sure, but at least we were anticipating it.

Now it’s time for Penn State.

Next. Why Mel Tucker's rumored contract means war on Ohio State. dark

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