Ohio State bounces back with rout of Michigan State

Buckeyes all alone atop Big Ten East with two games left
Ohio State's Urban Meyer smiles after a tackle by Ohio State's special teams against Michigan State on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Ohio State's Urban Meyer smiles after a tackle by Ohio State's special teams against Michigan State on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

The Ohio State Buckeyes treated Michigan State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium as Iowa treated the Buckeyes a a week ago in Iowa City.

A series featuring games decided in the final minutes the last two years now includes a massive blowout. Ohio State’s 48-3 victory is the most lopsided game in 36 matchups in a series that began in 1912.

RELATED: Photos from first half

The No. 13 Buckeyes (8-2, 6-1) rebounded from the worst loss of the Urban Meyer era. A week ago, they lost 55-24 at Iowa. Ohio State moved a game ahead of No. 12 Michigan State (8-3, 5-2) in the Big Ten East Division with two games to play.

Star of the game: J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber combined to rush for 286 yards.

Top receivers: Binjimen Victor had two catches for 65 yards. He had a 48-yard touchdown catch.

Top defenders: Damon Webb and Damon Arnette had interceptions for Ohio State.

Barrett's day: J.T. Barrett completed 14 of 21 passes for 183 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns.

FIRST-HALF RECAP

Star of the half: Weber rushed eight times for 161 yards with two touchdowns, including an 82-yard run that made it 35-0. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on five of their first six possessions.

Key stat: Ohio State outgained Michigan State 320-104 in total yards.

Key offensive play: Weber rushed 47 yards for a touchdown on Ohio State's first drive.

Top defensive play: Tyquan Lewis forced a fumble that  Arnette recovered, giving Ohio State the ball at the Michigan State 25-yard line. That set up the fourth touchdown of the day, an 8-yard pass from Barrett to Dobbins.

Ejected: Ohio State lost a defensive lineman to a targeting call for the second straight week. Last week, it was Nick Bosa. This week it was Dre'mont Jones.

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