Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans

[The General]

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Spartan Stadium.

Oddsmakers currently have the Buckeyes listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Spartans, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Beanie Wells ran for 95 yards on 22 carries, as Ohio State handled Purdue 16-3 in Week 7.

Ohio State couldn't cash as 18-point home favorites as the game played under the 43.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.

Javon Ringer ran for 124 yards on 35 carries with two touchdowns to lead Michigan State past Northwestern 37-20 in Week 7.

Michigan State covered as 3-point road favorites as the game played over the 44-point total listed by oddsmakers.

Current streak:
Ohio State has won 4 straight games.
Michigan State has won 6 straight games.


Team records:
Ohio State: 6-1 SU, 1-5 ATS
Michigan State: 6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS


Ohio State most recently:
When playing in October are 10-0
When playing on grass are 8-2
After being outgained are 9-1
When playing within the conference are 9-1

Michigan State most recently:
When playing in October are 4-6
When playing on grass are 7-3
After being outgained are 5-5
When playing within the conference are 6-4


A few trends to consider:
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Michigan State
Ohio State is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Ohio State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ohio State's last 6 games
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games at home
Michigan State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games


Next up:
Ohio State home to Penn State, Saturday, October 25
Michigan State at Michigan, Saturday, October 25

[The General]

Player to watch: Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State — The freshman phenom, whose passing yardage has progressively decreased in his four starts, faces a defense that does a good job of confusing opponents with its schemes.

Recent history: The Buckeyes fought off a second-half rally by Michigan State to win, 24-17, last season. It was their sixth consecutive victory in the series.

Key statistic: With 313 carries, Michigan State has run the ball more than any team in the league. The Buckeyes are among the league’s stingiest against the run, ranking fourth in the league (and 23rd in the nation) with 103.6 yards per game.

Bottom line: Ohio State might not shake out of its offensive funk but its defense and special teams will be good enough to carry the day.

JS Online: Big Ten preview