Michigan State vs. Ohio State: 3 reasons Buckeyes stomp Spartans

In the first five games of the season, Ohio State has outscored its opponents 262-43. There is no reason that shouldn’t continue against Michigan State.

In past years, the battle between Michigan State and Ohio State has largely been a close battle. Last year’s contest was only 9-6 heading into the fourth quarter before the Buckeyes pulled away to a 26-6 victory. The 2016 game was a one-point win for the Buckeyes, the Spartans got the better of Ohio State in 2015 thanks to a game-winning field goal, and the list goes on. The 2019 contest, however, might look more like the 48-3 drubbing Ohio State gave Michigan State in 2017. Here are three reasons why Ohio State will stomp Michigan State on Saturday night.

1. Brian Lewerke just isn’t a reliable passer

Ever since Connor Cook left the Spartans, Michigan State just hasn’t been able to have consistent quarterback play. That hasn’t changed this season. Brian Lewerke is always a threat with his feet but he hasn’t improved enough in the passing game.

He’s racked up the yards against the bad defenses he has played early in the season, but the completion percentage just hasn’t been there. He threw for a lowly 54% completion rate last season and it hasn’t improved much this season either. Right now the senior quarterback has completed just over 59% of his passes, good for No. 86 of all quarterbacks in college football.

That has to improve otherwise this Buckeye defense that intercepted Adrian Martinez three times last week will do the same. It doesn’t help either that he will have Chase Young breathing down his neck for four quarters.