Ahead of the upcoming matchup, The State News’ football beat writer Jenna Malinowski spoke with Jacob Benge to get a preview of what Michigan State can expect Saturday afternoon.

Q: How does Michigan State's offense stack up against Ohio State's defense?

A: "I recall last year watching Payton Thorne pass a little bit against Ohio State’s secondary and I’d say the secondary last year, you know, I would probably say was less experienced. But this year, you know with Payton Thorne back I kind of expect him to have a similar game as the last year. he still threw for a touchdown, up over 150 pass yards, had some completions, perhaps even has a better performance against Ohio State's defense just because it's a home game and you've seen him before on Saturday. I also am interested to see how Michigan State's rushing attack is this year just because last year Kenneth Walker having almost the Heisman-like season, you know, he was clearly one of the focal points of the offense last year and without him I'm curious how Michigan State responds in that regard."

Q: Is there anybody on Michigan State that you think could cause issues for Ohio State that people wouldn't think about?

A: "We've talked about this on the Lantern sports desk. We've talked a lot about Michigan State secondary and what problems that they could cause for C.J. Stroud. Last week, Stroud didn't have his best performance as a Buckeye. I believe he only threw for just about 154 yards, one of his lowest as a starter. Stroud always said he likes to look at the routes and the safeties and the secondary himself. It's really the entire secondary for me that, you know, eager to see how Stroud kind of rebounds from his performance against Rutgers last week and maybe takes it into Ohio State's first road game on Saturday."

Q: Who do you think on Ohio State will cause the most issues for Michigan State?

A: "Ohio State’s really banged up right now with Jaxon Smith-Njigba dealing with a little bit of a hamstring leg injury. Treveyon Henderson, a so-called starter for Ohio State's running backs room, is dealing with a little bit of a foot injury. I'm curious how some of Ohio State's injuries unfold on Saturday, or progress rather. I think it's a good, interesting question who may cause the most trouble for teams and honestly, I think it would be Cade Stover, Ohio State's tight end, because he played linebacker, he played defensive end and this season, he's 100% with the tight ends and he's caught upwards of like the third or fourth most receiving yards and Ohio State’s receivers."

Q: What is your final score prediction and why?

A: "I said 52 to 10 is my score prediction for the game. I think Ohio State needs to score 40 points in as many games as they can just to boost the CFP resume and whether or not Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship or goes back to Indianapolis after missing it for the first time in four seasons last year. I think Ohio State needs to make a statement in a way. It's hard for me to predict teams to go and get a shutout but I also think Ohio State needs to do that at least once a season. I still see Michigan State finding holes in Ohio State’s defense. Ohio State’s defense of course is brand new this year under Jim Knowles, the new defensive coordinator from Oklahoma State. He's installed a 4-2-5 defense where you know, it's interesting seeing five defensive backs in the secondary for Ohio State, but so far it's worked. They've held teams to I believe less than 320 yards offense in all but one game this season, so I go 52 to 10."