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#3 Ohio State 38, Michigan State 7



History often says the Spartans made their last stand at Thermopylae in 480 BC. Wrong. They made their last stand in East Lansing, Michigan on September 28th, 2024.


A week after looking somewhat vulnerable against a feisty Marshall team, Ohio State left no doubt vs. Michigan State, smashing the Spartans to open Big Ten play!


Going into this game, I was definitely wary. Michigan State is no longer what they used to be. These aren't Mark Dantonio's Spartans. Those guys were nasty. But Michigan State can still be a notorious trap game. The Spartans have spoiled more than one great Ohio State season in the past.


My first real heartbreak as a football fan was caused by the Spartans in 1998 when I was seven years old. That year an average MSU team led by somebody named Nick Saban, beat one of the best Buckeye teams ever assembled, and spoiled a genuine shot at a National Championship.


But Ryan Day and the Buckeyes did not even remotely come close to letting that happen today. How'd they get the job done? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!


Solid Defense!

Minus a slow start early, the Buckeyes largely held the Spartans in check. A week after getting punched in the mouth by Marshall, the Buckeyes clamped down against Michigan State. They only allowed 199 yards passing and 47 yards rushing. They had a bit of a slow start again in the first quarter. But after the first two series or so, they really seemed to be dialed in.


Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles often gives out Silver Bullet of the Day awards to players who were outstanding in that week's game. But to show he meant business, no one got one of those last week after the win over Marshall.


This is Coach Knowles' third season in Columbus. He expects to compete for and win National Championships with the Buckeyes. And he expects his unit to play like they are worthy of hoisting the trophy in late January. Tonight, the Ohio State defense showed up.


They stuffed the run, rallied to the football, laid down several vicious hits, and forced three Spartan turnovers. The only way they could've been better, is if they had blanked Michigan State from the get-go. But I'm happy with the effort I saw from them tonight.


And I'm even happier that the Buckeye offense kept rolling! Starting with the new sheriff in town!


Will Howard continues to thrive

It truly is a luxury as a fan to watch your team when they have a quarterback who is "plug and play." They're primed and ready to carry an offensive unit to their full potential as soon as they step on the field. We've been so spoiled with great quarterback play that we've come to expect every Buckeye signal caller to have this ability.


But as the old saying goes, "You don't know what you got till it's gone." We learned that lesson the hard way last year. Kyle McCord wasn't terrible last season. But Howard is lightyears ahead of McCord in his ability to lead and direct an offense.


Will can take off and run when he has to. He can let it fly since he's got a cannon for an arm. And he's not afraid to stand in the pocket and take hits if it means he can get the ball out in time.


Howard went 21-31 for 244 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He only really made one big mistake when he got intercepted for trying to throw a pass into double coverage. But he was very efficient for the most part. And he showed his toughness when he stood in the pocket and took a MASSIVE hit.


He got rid of the ball, but he certainly paid for it when he got lit up. He definitely made me nervous for a couple minutes when he was laying on the ground. But like every tough quarterback, he got up and continued playing until the game was well in hand. If Ohio State ends up winning their first National Championship in a decade, that's the kind of toughness they need from their gunslinger and leader.


But they won't just need toughness. They'll also need explosiveness to keep defenses honest. And I can't think of a more explosive player in America right now than the Buckeyes' freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith!


Smith does it again!

I may ruffle some feathers and step on some toes with this hot take, but here it goes: Jeremiah Smith may end up being more explosive and impactful than Ted Ginn Jr. was.


This isn't meant to be any disrespect to Ted. I loved watching him torch opposing defenses when he played for Ohio State! He was and will always be a Buckeye legend!


But while Ted was mostly pure speed, Jeremiah Smith is probably the most athletic wideout I've seen in a long time. He can do just about anything.


Rushing TD on a reverse? Check. Receiving TD? Check. High pointing the ball? Check. Outrunning defenders in a footrace? Check. One-handed catch? Double check!


For as young as he is, I love how much the Buckeyes are getting him involved in the offense. Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly's not afraid to use his weapons, whether they're first-year players or grizzled senior veterans. Every guy he trusts to be a playmaker in his system produces. And they'll only get better the more they play together.


We all had a blast watching Marvin Harrison Jr. light it up when he was here. But I have no clue how high Jeremiah Smith's ceiling, or full potential is. And if I'm an opposing defensive coordinator, I'm terrified to find out!


What's Next?

The Buckeyes opened the Big Ten part of the season in style. But another test awaits them next week. On October 5th, Ohio State faces Iowa in Columbus. That could be another trap game if the Buckeyes aren't careful. The Hawkeyes are a stout team. But if I know the Buckeyes, they seem like they're on a mission.


But for now, the boys in the Scarlet and Gray are 4-0! GO BUCKS!


Statistical Leaders

Will Howard: 21-31, 244 yards, 2 TDs, INT

TreVeyon Henderson: 7 carries, 69 yards

Emeka Egbuka: 7 receptions, 96 yards, TD


Source: ESPN


Picture Credit: tv.youtube.com

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