MSU's often fragmented, sloppy offense could create the perfect storm for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Albeit against lower-level opponents, Ohio State has been consistent through three games and reached the end zone 13 times. 

Saturday marks OSU's first Power Five matchup this season as it looks to return to the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis for the first time since 2019. 

Another factor working against the Spartans in Chestnut Hill, MA was numerous injuries to key players on both sides of the ball, such as freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh, sophomore guard Gavin Broscious and defensive back Dillon Tatum.

MSU offensive line coach Jim Michalczik said it’s been a challenge keeping players consistent and limiting mistakes when rotating often. Historically, Ohio State has been a program of great consistency and depth. This year's Buckeye team is no different, loaded with talent and experience.

Day and his staff, which includes veteran college and NFL coach Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, brought some of its top skill players to Columbus through the transfer portal, most notably quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins.

With the Buckeyes cruising to their 3-0 start against two MAC teams and one C-USA team, Howard and a few other skill players have been pulled after the first half in each contest. This has limited MSU cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin’s ability to scout the Howard and the offense. 

"He’s a Chip Kelly-type quarterback," Martin said after practice Wednesday "He’s going to put the ball where it’s supposed be put, call the right play and pull it down when he has to pull it down."

Howard is a graduate student who previously played at Kansas State. He had an 80% pass completion rate against Marshall last week and sits on a 68.9% pass completion rate for the season.

On the other sideline, MSU sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles has shown off his potential and talent but also committed seven turnovers in four weeks.

Chiles threw three interceptions against Boston College. The first two came from poor ball placement, but the last was an ill-advised throw into double coverage during MSU's final chance to take the lead. Chiles said he was emotional after the loss and is aware of his leadership role on the team. He knows he's taken the majority of the heat for MSU's offensive struggles so far. 

The 18-year-old Chiles said he doesn’t want to blame his mistakes on age and inexperience, but said he’s still learning and working toward slowing the game down for himself. He can be antsy and make the wrong read at times, he said. 

"I wouldn’t say I’m where I wanna be, and I wouldn’t say I’m where I thought I’d be, either," Chiles said after practice Tuesday.

MSU will battle Ohio State Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. The game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.