Ohio State Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Michigan State is coming off a nightmare season. After years of success under head coach Mark Dantonio, including Big Ten championships in 2013 and 2015, the bottom fell out in 2016. The Spartans went 3-9 and only had one conference victory. Lack of chemistry and off the field issues have defined the Spartans over the last year. But there is really only one direction for the team to go and Dantonio will look to do that in 2017.
Junior running back L.J. Scott is back, but there will be a new quarterback in East Lansing, with the job most likely going to Brian Lewerke. Also the receivers are very young so this offense will have a tough time early in the season as they adjust.
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The defense was terrible last year. The defensive line brings back all four starters but they have to get to the quarterback more this year. They only generated 11 sacks all of last season. There is a lot of youth in the secondary, but the linebackers should be pretty good, led by Chris Frey.
Last year the Spartans surprised Ohio State and nearly got the victory, falling by only one point. However that game was in East Lansing and this year it’s in Columbus. It won’t be so close this time.
The Buckeyes will bounce back from their loss to Iowa and will take out their frustration on the poor Spartans. J.T. Barrett lights up the young secondary for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. Mike Weber also has a solid day on the ground for a couple of scores. While the Spartans will show a little fight, it certainly won’t be enough as the Buckeyes roll.