Before the start of the 2016 season, the Ohio State-Michigan State matchup was one of the most highly anticipated games across the country. The Buckeyes were shooting for revenge after the Spartans derailed their playoff run a year ago, and MSU head coach Mark Dantonio would get another opportunity to validate the strong program he had built in East Lansing.
A surprisingly disastrous season for Michigan State (3-7) has spoiled the national intrigue in this game, however. After winning their first two games, including what looked like a marquee victory over Notre Dame that launched them into the Associated Press Top 10, the Spartans dropped seven straight games before pasting Big Ten doormat Rutgers last week.
Meanwhile, Ohio State (9-1) has looked like one of the best teams in the country, with its lone blemish coming on the road to a Top 10 Penn State team.
But even with the drastically different seasons these two teams have put together, both are looking forward to meeting each other on Saturday.
Here's a detailed look at the keys to victory and players to watch for Ohio State and Michigan State this Saturday.
Viewing Information
Date: Saturday
Time: Noon ET
Place: Spartan Stadium—East Lansing, Michigan
TV: ESPN
Radio: Ohio State Football Radio Network, Spartan Sports Network
Spread: Ohio State (-23.5), per Odds Shark