GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Ohio State coaches put a major emphasis on running the ball last week against Nebraska after struggling in previous games and saw improvement. RB J.K. Dobbins had a nice game against the Cornhuskers, rushing for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. The highlights included a 42-yard touchdown run by Dobbins in the fourth quarter that salted away the win. The Buckeyes finished with 229 yards on the ground. But Ohio State’s backs and offensive line face a bigger challenge on Saturday at Michigan State. The Spartans have the top run defense in the country, giving up an average of 71.7 yards in nine games. No team has been able to run against Michigan State this season, but Ohio State has two capable backs and Dobbins flashed his big-play ability last week. This game could be won based on whose offensive and defensive lines control the line of scrimmage.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Dre’Mont Jones had Ohio State’s only sack last Saturday in its 36-31 victory over Nebraska. He finished the game with four solo tackles and five total tackles, bringing his season totals to team bests of 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The Bednarik Award semifinalist has at least one tackle for loss in seven consecutive games. NFLDraftScout.com lists the redshirt junior as the No. 5 defensive tackle prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft class. There’s no indication yet whether Jones might decide to leave Ohio State to enter the draft after the current season.
ROSTER REPORT:
–S Damon Arnette returned last Saturday from an undisclosed injury for Ohio State’s 36-31 victory over Nebraska. He finished with five tackles.
–CB Jeffrey Okudah missed last Saturday’s 36-31 victory over Nebraska with an undisclosed injury. There was no update early in the week on his status for this week’s game at Michigan State.
–S Jordan Fuller was ejected from last Saturday’s 36-31 win over Nebraska on a targeting penalty. The suspension will keep him off the field in the first half for this week’s game against Michigan State.
–S Isaiah Pryor did not play in last Saturday’s win over Nebraska because of an undisclosed injury.
–K Sean Nuernberger remained out for a third straight game with a leg injury. He was replaced by sophomore K Blake Haubeil, who kicked off six times but didn’t attempt a field goal in Ohio State’s 36-31 win over Nebraska last week.
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