Sports feeds
E-mail sports alerts
DDN sports mobile
Sports TwitterBig Ten battle: It's OSU-Michigan State today
Buckeyes hope to solve their offensive woes while trying to contain Spartans' star tailback Javon Ringer.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. — At least a piece of first place in the Big Ten is at stake when the Ohio State and Michigan State football teams square off today, Oct. 18.
For the 12th-ranked Buckeyes, it's the usual routine: big game, high stakes.
For the rebuilding and 20th-ranked Spartans, games such as this have been anything but routine.
"This is the biggest game I think this senior class has played in since we've been here," said MSU defensive lineman Justin Kershaw, a Columbus native. Michigan State (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten) is a work in progress.
The Spartans' preference on offense is to pound the ball with former Chaminade-Julienne High School star Javon Ringer, the nation's second-leading rusher at 158.9 yards per game. Ringer leads the nation with 247 carries and 1,112 yards.
Ohio State (6-1, 3-0) is hoping to stay on course for a fourth straight conference title and is still holding out hopes of a third straight national championship game appearance. The Buckeyes have issues to resolve if their string of important games is going to continue.
Ohio State ranks 10th in the Big Ten in total offense at 321 yards per game. Tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells missed a few games because of a foot injury, and freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor is searching for his comfort zone. The offensive line is taking some heat.
The question in Columbus: When's it going to click?
"Well, we're not — I hate to say it, we're not executing," OSU head coach Jim Tressel said. "I wish there were something different than that."
Michigan State is on guard against Wells and Pryor, despite the Buckeyes' sluggish performance. The Spartans give up about 16.7 points per game but haven't faced an offense with this much potential since a season-opening loss at California.
Ohio State and linebacker James Laurinaitis thrive on stopping the run, allowing 103.6 rushing yards per game. The Buckeyes' defense has rebounded since their 35-3 loss at Southern Cal last month, allowing 12.75 points per game since.
Today's game
Who: No. 12 Ohio State (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten) at No. 20 Michigan State (6-1, 3-0)
When: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ABC (WKEF Ch. 22)
Radio: WING-AM (1410)
