This weekend poses a daunting task for both teams in the Horseshoe as they have wrapped up their weak non-conference schedules and are ready to move into conference play. This season has already included major let-downs for both squads in their only true tests, and with so many questions to answer, one has to think that this game could be a pivotal moment for everyone involved.
MSU has taken precautionary measures by having closed practices and not allowing players to talk to the media this week. Mark Dantonio, who has never beat OSU as a head coach, wants to ensure the focus of his players is only on the game. That says a lot for a team returning 12 starters including experience and record-breaking numbers at skill positions. This could spell danger to a Buckeye defense that not only has given up three straight 300 yard games on defense, but they almost average giving up 300 yards per game defensively after finishing the weak part of their schedule.
MSU has looked solid defensively, but you have to factor in the weak schedule to get a good look at how good they really are. Just as the Buckeyes were smothered by a weak Miami team, the Spartans were whooped by a weak Notre Dame team giving up 31 points. MSU's numbers have been good, but Notre Dame took advantage of them. Notre Dame used draws frequently which were set up by a down-field passing attack. It seems like that would be a blueprint for teams to score on MSU, but the Buckeyes aren't exactly suited for airing it out. This means that OSU will have to either make huge strides in the passing game this week or run the ball very well. It seems that the latter would better fit this Buckeye squad, but the passing game can be critical this week, which is a lot of pressure to put on a freshman QB and a very young group of receivers. Who knows what's going to happen? All I know is that Coach Fickell has an excellent opportunity this weekend, and he has the chance to finally show all of us who this team is. It's time to step up and show us what ya' got. If there's one thing I'm sure of, it is that Mark Dantonio and the Spartans are taking this game seriously; and they will have some tricks up their sleeve. Buckle up because this game is going to be intense.
