Q: How is OSU preparing for the matchup against the nationally ranked Spartan defense?

A: I think there isn’t anything different the Buckeyes will do this week in preparation for the Spartans. I believe Ryan Day will continue to emphasize taking care of the ball on offense, an area that sophomore quarterback Justin Fields has excelled at. Fields is entering week six with 23 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Also, with this being the first ranked matchup of the season for the Buckeyes, I think there will be no need for added motivation.

The Buckeyes respect their opponent and understand Michigan State is more than capable of coming into Ohio Stadium and upsetting them. The offensive line has played tremendous thus far and I believe running the ball with J.K. Dobbins and Master Teague will be key in opening up the passing game for Ohio State. Lastly, I think wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has prepared his guys well all offseason for a matchup against a great defense like the Spartans. Separation will be huge if the Buckeyes hope to have the same success in the passing game this Saturday. Fields has shared the ball evenly so it's tough to say who will shine whether it's the tight ends or one of the five receivers in the rotation. 

Q: Who has been a surprise player this season on the Ohio State roster? Who should Spartan fans look out for?

A: A couple of guys come to mind when I think of surprise names, so I will give three names. First, I would say a name for the Spartans to look out for is redshirt freshman running back Master Teague. Teague is a different kind of back from J.K. Dobbins as his style is more of a north and south runner who is a lot faster than he looks. His playing style reminds me of Chris “Beanie” Wells. Teague is a bigger back but has a sneaky speed element to his game. He is currently averaging 6.3 yards per carry and has 326 yards and three touchdowns through five games.

Another player to look out for is junior linebacker Baron Browning, he is a former five star linebacker who has thrived in this new system coach Al Washington has put in place. He is very athletic and physical and has been rotating with redshirt junior and team captain Tuf Borland at the middle linebacker spot.

Lastly, this may not come as a surprise but sophomore wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave broke out onto the scene in last year’s rivalry game against Michigan where he had two touchdowns and a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown in Ohio State’s 62-39 defeat over the Wolverines. Olave is a speedster who does it all for the Buckeyes as he has four touchdowns and two blocked punts through five games this season. 

Q: Ohio State has come out on top the last three times against the Spartans. Will this year be any different, as it seems MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke has been playing some of the best football in his career?

A: It’s tough to say the outcome will be any different this year as the Buckeyes have been one of the most complete teams in the country. Ohio State is currently just one of two teams that rank top five nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. However, the Buckeyes shouldn’t take the Spartans lightly as they have spoiled some potentially great seasons for the Buckeyes in the past. Most notably, the 17-14 win over the Buckeyes in 2015 at Ohio Stadium after the Buckeyes started 10-0 with arguable one of the best teams in program history. Ryan Day even acknowledged the history of Michigan State ruining a few potentially great seasons for the Buckeyes in the past in his weekly Tuesday press conference. “They're very sound, and obviously the history of what they've done against Ohio State is something that all of our guys are going to be aware of this week as we go to work today in practice” Day said.

Q: What is your score prediction? Why?

A: Even though Michigan State has one of the best defenses in the country, highlighted by All American Kenny Willekes, the Spartans haven’t faced an offense as high powered as the Buckeyes. This year’s Buckeyes offense has an even attack of run and pass as they have averaged 254 yards passing and 282.2 yards rushing per game on the season.

I believe the Spartans' defense will start out strong but eventually Ryan Day’s offense will be too much to handle and the game will get out of hand. Also, on the defensive side of the ball, this Ohio State defense is easily the best we have seen in a long time. They are playing fast and physical as a unit. Veteran quarterback Brian Lewerke and the offensive line have been very impressive so far, as Lewerke has led the Big Ten in passing yards.

This could very easily be the best quarterback the Buckeyes are going to face so far in the season. Also, credit to that offensive line for only allowing four sacks but I believe the pressure from junior defensive end Chase Young will be too much to handle for Brian Lewerke and the offensive line. 

Score Prediction: 45-10 (OSU)