That was patently obvious as Ohio State mustered 132 yards of offense – worst of the Meyer era – and converted on only 4 of 14 third down plays.
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Shortly after Ohio State’s stunning 17-14 loss to MI State, quarterback Cardale Jones and running back Ezekiel Elliott indicated that they’ll be leaving the Buckeyes early for the 2016 NFL Draft. For starters, it’s not a guarantee that MI State would be in the College Football Playoff if it wins the Big Ten, but it’s hard to foresee that the Spartans would miss the cut. I would say, ‘This is the kick to beat Ohio State.
The Buckeyes take on the MI Wolverines for their final game of the season on Saturday.
In the second 30 minutes of play with the game on the line, Elliott carried the ball two times for 3 yards. Talk about slapping Ohio State’s biggest tradition right in the face. Even worse, the offensive dysfunction has spread to the running game.
“The one thing that made a difference… this game we got to be the chaser”, Spartans coach Mike Dantonio said.
When MI State’s three-year starting quarterback Connor Cook was unable to play because of a shoulder injury he suffered last week against Maryland, O’Connor got the first start of his career in probably MSU’s biggest game of the season. “It wasn’t working”, said Elliott, who has his streak of 15 straight 100-yard rushing games snapped. Obviously, you saw how the game ended. “We couldn’t control it”.
“We’ve gotta fix a few obvious problems”, Meyer said. So the finger will be pointed right here.
“I’m disappointed in the play-calling and disappointed in the situations we were put in”, he said. I just want to thank Buckeye nation for making this place so special, “Elliott said“. Ohio State’s Cameron Johnston had an ugly 5-yard punt against the Spartans on Saturday. The plays we ran we were gashing them.
“I call a lot of the plays anyways”, Meyer said. “We knew the whole season this was gonna be a tight game”.
Throughout the season, Elliott has pleaded with coach Urban Meyer for more carries.
“After I hit (the second kick) I knew it was going through”. MI State reaped the benefit, which seemed unlikely at the start.
Tyler O’Connor was clutch, most notably his 11-yard run on fourth-and-3 at the OSU 30, leading to the game-tying touchdown.
The Spartans weren’t very efficient, turned the ball over twice, had a poor passing success rate, and only managed three explosive plays – but it was enough to put themselves in a position to win. His dual-threat advantage disappeared in the elements and against MI State’s attacking approach. He was 9-for-16 for 46 yards. Watson threw two interceptions, but he also rushed for 44 yards with one score. Baylor piled up 700 yards of offense with third-string quarterback Chris Johnson at the helm. “We lost the line of scrimmage”, Meyer said. “Our pass game was not there”. And the best performance of the season from its offensive line. “And it hasn’t been a smooth run, really, most of the year”. “We’ve got to get better”. Rain fell in sheets before it morphed into sleet and then snow, wind gusted mercilessly and the offenses went belly up.
1st and 10, 7:57. MI State responded after each one with a 75-yard touchdown drive.
In other games involving AAC teams, P.J. Walker threw for 261 yards and two scores and Temple pulled away from No. 21 Memphis in the fourth quarter for a 31-12 victory.
The Spartans completed one pass in the second half, but they ran for 203 on 51 attempts and gave Geiger a chance to win it with three seconds left by churning out 25 yards on their last drive. Not with next Saturday’s trip to MI looming. Add Iowa to that resume and the Spartans would have to get strong consideration.
“It’s easy to lead when everything is going well and you’ve won a bunch of games in a row”, he said.
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Beating Ohio State means that the Spartans will likely jump the Buckeyes in the next poll – and if they don’t, then that’s just not right.
