Staff Picks: Will the Ohio State offense come together against Michigan State?

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has a chance to build some offensive momentum before its date with Michigan on Nov. 25. The Buckeyes have games against Michigan State and Minnesota between now and then, a pair of opponents that are in the bottom half of the Big Ten in scoring defense.

First up is the Spartans.

The Lettermen Row crew is expecting Ohio State to roll past a three-win Michigan State team Saturday night in the Horseshoe.

Staff writers Tim May, Andy Backstrom, Spencer Holbrook, Matt Parker and Alex Gleitman give their score predictions below:

Tim May: 52-10, Buckeyes

“The offensive player of the game is probably going to be Kyle McCord. … I think they want to come out of this game feeling really good about the consistency and the jumpstart of the offense. … Ohio State 52, Michigan State 10. Final answer. … “I think Ohio State’s offense is going to break free. Because it’s gotta happen sometime. It’s gotta happen sooner or later. And I really feel like it’s this week. Now, Western Kentucky, that was a kind of a break free moment, especially the second quarter. But I just feel like this week is that close to a complete game for Kyle McCord et al.”

Andy Backstrom: 49-10, Buckeyes

“Yeah, I’m landing on 10 for Michigan State as well. I’m saying 49-10. I don’t have it in me to go to the 50s. I had them in the 40s last week, and they didn’t get there. Although they ended up getting closer than I think we all expected. So I’m going 49-10. There’s only seven teams in the country that have four defensive touchdowns this season. Ohio State is one of them. I think they get a fifth … this one I’m going to say scoop-and-score. We’ve seen three pick-sixes this year, one fumble recovery, but I’m going with a scoop-and-score for a touchdown to get them to that 49.”

Spencer Holbrook: 41-13, Buckeyes

“I’m going to go Ohio State, 41-13. The Ohio State offense is just not the score 50-60 points all the time offense. And so I’m kind of starting to bring myself back down to earth with these score predictions, but also I’m willing to be wrong. So I’ll go 41-13. I think Michigan State might have something on special teams for the Buckeyes — they’ve been watching the film. So Ohio State’s going to have to be focused on special teams, but Michigan State’s going to try to exploit some things.”

Matt Parker: 45-3, Buckeyes

“Ohio State needs to string together a few complete performances before it heads up north to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for The Game.

“The Buckeyes are pretty banged up, and the availability report could be quite extensive. That said, there are two large deficits the Spartans face going into this primetime game: coaching and talent. Ohio State has the upper hand in both, and it’s going to show in a sell-out crowd. What’s been an inconsistent offensive unit will find a steady rhythm, and the “Silver Bullets” will keep doing their thing.

“Ohio State starts fast and doesn’t take its foot off the gas.”

Alex Gleitman: 45-10, Buckeyes

“Ohio State hasn’t had too many games where things have been “comfortable” for the fans from the jump, but I think Michigan State coming to town is just what this team needs right now. Yes, the Spartans are coming off a big win against Nebraska, but don’t let that fool you. This Michigan State team is the worst in the conference, and if its 1-5 Big Ten record doesn’t convince you of that, the average score of the six conference games the Spartans have played is 30-14 in favor of their opponents.

“The Buckeyes opened up as 29.5-point favorites with the line already moving to 31.5 as game time approaches. This would be the perfect time for things to click for the Scarlet and Gray, even if they hold a number of players out due to injuries and dings late in the year. With a primetime game, a big recruiting visitor list on hand and a chance for the offense to build some momentum as we inch toward The Game, I think the Buckeyes take care of business on Saturday night.”

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