It is a mixed bag as to who will win this game. Neither team has yet to get their game where they would like it. Some experts like Las Vegas odds makers are picking Ohio State by three point, while College Football News is picking Michigan State by three. It seems to be a toss up according to the experts.

When one reflects on the statistics compiled so far by each team, that favors MSU in almost every statistic both on Offense and Defense. In Total Defense and Pass Defense the Spartans are number one in the nation. While conversely, Ohio State is worst in the nation or close to it in Passing Offense. There is only one category where our Buckeyes have the edge and that is Rushing Offense and before anyone gets excited, we are only 7th in the Big Ten, While MSU is 9th.

We both lost our only road game by exactly 18 points.

Kirk Cousins is the big gun for MSU, completing 69.2% of his passes for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. his favorite target is B. J. Cunningham with 29 catches for 428 yards, almost half of Cousins passing yards. Running Back Leveon Bell has 217 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Ohio State only has two starting Seniors on defense Andrew Sweat and Tyler Moeller. We are missing receiver Philly Brown and Defensive End Nathan Williams for this game, but both may be back for the Nebraska game. Devin Smith will be the fastest receiver on the field for the Buckeyes.

The Spartans are allowing only 101 yards passing per game and have intercepted 6 passes. Opposing QB's are only completing 49.5% of their passes. Michigan State has one of the best secondaries in the conference in Safeties Trenton Robinson and Isaiah Lewis.

I expect Braxton Miller to continue to improve in both his running and passing. If he continues to improve and the Defense can improve, we will prevail in this contest. All we can ask for as fans is improvement overall each week coupled with a Win.

I am anxious to see how the Big Ten season begins. Hopefully on a high note for us Buckeyes, GO BUCKS!!!

Richard and Barbara Long part of our core group of Buckeye supporters on Maui will be attending the game.

Also, I would like to give credit to Brett for supplying all the pictures for us at the Sports Page Bar and Grill.

BUCKEYE BOB