MSU quarterback Payton Thorne talks win Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud after the Buckeyes’ last visit to Spartan Stadium, on Dec. 5, 2020. 1. Can MSU’s passing attack have the game of its life? Michigan State isn’t likely to be able to run the ball for much yardage Saturday, though offensive coordinator Jay Johnson has to stick to it and realize that the number of carries is the most important running game stat in a matchup like this. You have to force balance, make the defense respect the notion that you might run it, give your passing game a chance. Quarterback Payton Thorne and his receivers and tight ends will have to do the rest — provide the explosive plays, the bulk of the third-down conversions and the points. This is a potential legacy game for a number of MSU’s offensive playmakers — a chance for Thorne to show he can…
Continue Reading: Michigan State vs. Ohio State: 5 determining factors and a prediction
