“That was a very poor performance.” That’s what Urban Meyer could manage, via Ryan Ginn of Buckeye Sports Bulletin, after No. 9 Michigan State (10-1) invaded Ohio Stadium as a 13-point underdog and came away with a stunning 17-14 win over No. 3 Ohio State (10-1). The Buckeyes were thwarted by Michigan State all evening, gaining a season-low 132 total yards against the inspired Spartans. They managed the win without starting quarterback Connor Cook, who was sidelined with the shoulder injury he suffered against Maryland last week. Here are the game grades from Michigan State’s stunning three-point win. Michigan State Spartans Game Grades Positional Unit 1st-Half Grade Final Grade Pass Offense C C Run Offense D A+ Pass Defense A+ A+ Run Defense A+ A Special Teams C B Coaching A+ A+ vs. Ohio State Michigan State Spartans Grade Analysis Pass Offense With Cook sidelined for the game, it was evident that Michigan State would go with a conservative game plan against the Buckeyes. The Spartans rotated Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry at quarterback and got safe, effective play out of them. The two combined for 85 yards and one touchdown on 7-of-12 passing through two quarters, and the Spartans only called four passes in the second half. Run Offense Michigan State’s rushing attack was the difference in the game. The Spartans knew they were in a dogfight and looked like the hungrier team, especially in the second half. After rushing for a meager 37 yards in the first half, Michigan State flexed its muscle and bullied its way to 163 yards in the final two quarters…
Continue Reading: Michigan State vs. Ohio State: Game Grades, Analysis for Spartans and Buckeyes
