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Ohio State's offense should be on par with Sparty's defense; however, I think Sparty's offense will be outclassed by the Buckeye's defense.  Unfortunately, I think Sparty gets their second loss but miracles can happen in football.

So far Day has been really strong at game planning, play calling and in game adjustments.
But he said something very telling this week at his MSU presser:

“ they have an answer for everything you try to do on offense”

He has never said anything like that before, so methinks he, like me, expects a war.

I occasionally check out an MSU Board(Red Cedar) because it's usually pretty explosive,raucous and yet sometimes illuminating.After the tough loss at home to ASU.Talk was firing Bollman(like tOSU Fans use to) and HC MD hanging it up.They also discussed opening the offense in a big way.Now some of their possters are pointing out the opposite for tOSU.Playing Tressel Ball  and they are right in theory.Control the clock,eliminate turn overs,run the ball,play defense.And it could work if they are healthy.Sparty always seems to play well in C-Bus.In the last 8 games tOSU leads Sparty 5-3 so it's going to be a midnight fist fight.Pretty sure both squads have this game circled

Unfortunately, I think MSU loses this one by 3TDs.

Like the way you think,seems the Spartans the last 3 seasons are the most injury riddles squad in CFB.Well that and defections/releases basically hard luck.With UW not far behind injury wise but not this season

Like the way you think,seems the Spartans the last 3 seasons are the most injury riddles squad in CFB.Well that and defections/releases basically hard luck.With UW not far behind injury wise but not this season

Just to clarify, the use of the word "unfortunately" is because I want to see a good game, but I think we will get a lopsided affair instead.  I don't really have a horse in this race.  Actually, that's not true and I need to stop lying to myself.  I actually like OSU, and I've liked them ever since Urban took over.  I think they win with class and I just can't help rooting for them.

Now that I've buried that confession where hopefully no one will see it -

Depth is super important, and is the #1 reason why a team like OSU or Alabama can be counted on for an excellent season every year.  If the depth isn't there, a couple of key injuries can really affect a game.

Case in Point:  Penn State, 2016.  Their starting 3 linebackers at the beginning of the season were all excellent.  One was lost for the season in the early going, and they proceeded to lose 4 or 5 more linebackers by the time they played against Michigan.  Michigan's offense could not be stopped by a bunch of true freshman and walk-ons, and Penn State was blown out.  It cost them a chance at the playoff.

Example 2:  Iowa Running backs, seemingly every year.

Example 3:  Shea Patterson.  Apparently he's been dealing with a nagging injury, and has really struggled.  Unfortunately, even a 70% Patterson is apparently better than the second string guy.  If he gets back to 100% and remains healthy, Michigan is a completely different team.

Looked at last year's game for some comparison:

* Haskins had one of his quietest games with only 227 passing yards. 
* Weber had a nice game, but Dobbins only had 14 carries for 28 yards.  Not sure if it's style or if Dobbins was just in a funk last year not being the #1 guy.
* The MSU offense was awful.  Lewerke especially.  They have looked good in 2 Big Ten games, but we all remember the ASU game.  Still, Lewerke has 10 TDs and only 1 pick this year.
* Chrisman basically saved OSU, and is still available this year.

I think a key to decide whether this game gets out of hand or is a nail-biter will be the Buckeye running game.  I am definitely concerned about Dobbins' ability to run against these guys.  There's no way we'll see the gaping holes that he had against Nebraska in this game.  I also am curious to see if Teague may get a heavier load in this game also.  He has no wiggle really, but is tough to bring down.  The Buckeyes may also need to run Fields a little more to keep the D honest.  

If the Buckeyes have to rely on the pass, instead of using it as a complement to the running game, then it is going to be pretty tough.  The Buckeyes have great WRs, but we will see some tight windows.  I think this could definitely be the game where Fields throws his first INT.  The good news is that he has been pretty good about not trying to force it and just dumping it out of bounds when nothing is there, but I don't know how he'll react to pressure if the offense is struggling.  It's all been a little too easy so far.

On the other side, I think it all comes down to Lewerke.  If he can make a few plays to put some pressure on the D, then they may be able to get their running game going.  Elijiah Collins is showing a little promise.  I don't think they will score a lot, but they need to keep their defense fresh by getting a few first downs and not going 3 and out over and over again.  I'm not that worried overall about this side of the ball, but we could definitely find the game as a 17-14 (ugh) type of slug-fest.

I've been pretty cautious about the Cincy, Indiana, and Nebraska games, but I just can't imagine that the team can continue at this pace.  I am again very cautious about the Buckeyes' chances and expect a close game.  If the Buckeyes win big again, I will of course be happy, but most championship teams have had a few close ones along the way.  This one seems like one of those games.

Shorter preview than usual this week.