Michigan State upset reveals Ohio State problems were there all along

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The kick that changed everything fluttered through the blustery night as the clock hit zero in a tie game. As Michigan State’s Michael Geiger’s 41-yard field goal attempt flipped end-over-end toward the uprights, it carried the fate of a game, a season and the national title race. The driving rain that had fallen for most of the dismal afternoon for No. 3 Ohio State’s matchup with No. 9 Michigan State had finally ceased. And when Geiger’s kicked split the uprights to deliver a 17–14 Spartans victory, it offered a clarity that put into perspective two programs, one league race and the College Football Playoff. And in the nasty aftermath, we were all left wondering if we should have seen this surprising ending coming all along? Michigan State was greeted with the collective groan of 108,975 drenched fans at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State, favored by nearly two touchdowns, lost its national title defense and 23-game winning streak and witnessed its narrative change from undefeated and untested to underwhelming and underachieving. Suddenly, it was Michigan State, which entered the game the underdog and the afterthought, leaving with one of the most improbable victories in college football this year. The result was particularly impressive considering starting quarterback Connor Cook didn’t play. …

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