The Associated Press
No. 13 Ohio State (7-1, 4-0 Big Ten) at No. 7 Michigan State (7-1, 4-0), 8:14 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Michigan State by 3陆.
Series Record: Ohio State leads 28-14.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
This might be the most significant game of the season in the Big Ten. The winner has the inside track to the East Division title and remains in the mix for college football’s new four-team playoff. The loser becomes an afterthought. For Ohio State, there is extra incentive after the Buckeyes missed a chance to play for the national title last season because of their loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett vs. Michigan State’s secondary. The Buckeyes were able to run the ball on the Spartans last year, but Ohio State’s Braxton Miller completed only eight passes and Michigan State prevailed 34-24. Miller is injured this year, leaving Barrett taking the snaps as a redshirt freshman.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ohio State: DE Joey Bosa. The 6-foot-6 sophomore leads the Big Ten with 14 1/2 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He is also tied for the conference lead with three forced fumbles.
Michigan State: QB Connor Cook. In last year’s Big Ten title game, Cook threw for 304 yards against Ohio State, the first time he’d surpassed 300. He’s done it three more times since then, and Michigan State’s offense has taken off.
FACTS & FIGURES
Michigan State has won 14 straight games against Big Ten competition. Ohio State has won 20 of its last 21 against league foes, with the only loss coming in that 2013 title game. … Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is 35-3 in November since the start of the 2003 season. … This will be the first November night game in the history of Spartan Stadium.
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