The Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-0 entering their first Big Ten tilt against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday.
Urban Meyer’s crew hasn’t faced a team this talented so far, but they have been tested. UAB and California have presented challenges in the past two weeks, highlighting a few potential weaknesses on the Buckeyes roster.
Ohio State has the talent to defeat Michigan State, but it won’t be easy. Here are three keys to victory on Saturday.
Wrap ‘Em Up
Ohio State’s defense is supremely talented, but its struggled to wrap up ball-carriers in its first four games.
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesIf those same issues continue against Le’Veon Bell and the Michigan State offense, the Buckeyes will be in for a long day. Bell has steamrolled his way to 610 yards and five touchdowns so far this season, using his powerful build to gash opponents consistently.
Speed isn’t the problem for the Buckeyes, but discipline is. They haven’t held their assignments well, leaving room for opposing offenses to gain more yards than they should.
The Spartans will give the Buckeyes a heavy dose of Bell. If they can’t stop it, they won’t win.
After allowing 224 rushing yards to California in Week 3 and 144 yards to Alabama-Birmingham in Week 4, how confident could Ohio State be?
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