Buckeyes Flatten Spartans - Initial Thoughts

Ohio State started a critical stretch in conference play today with a huge road win against #20 Michigan State. The Buckeyes jumped out to a quick 28-0 lead and never looked back, blasting the Spartans 45-7. With Penn State pulling away from a chippy Michigan team, the Buckeyes head home to Columbus for an even bigger game that may determine the eventual conference winner. Some quick notes...

*The offense remained predictable but the Buckeyes were able to execute much better than the previous two weeks. Terrelle Pryor looked much more comfortable leading the team, and had his best throwing day of his young career. He remains almost impossible to stop when running, as long as the defense isn't positive its coming. Which seems to happen a lot...

*The defense manned up and played their most complete game of the season. Jim Laurinaitis appeared to take his matchup with Spartans star RB Javon Ringer personally. He was all over the field, and Ringer was limited to just 67 yards.

*Can you really say enough about Malcolm Jenkins? Of all the guys who returned, he's the one making the most of the opportunity. He did a little over everything today, pressuring the quarterback, forcing a fumble, and battling the Spartans speedy receivers. He's been a consistent force these last few games. While I don't think he's an NFL lockdown corner, he might be the safest of the Buckeye draft picks. And he might a devastating safety in the right scheme.

*Beanie Wells was a workhorse today, toting the rock 31 times for 140 yards and a couple of scores. He seemed to favor his foot a few times, but it looks like the Buckeyes star tailback is rounding into shape for the stretch run.

*Speaking of those 31 carries, there was only one real moment of pause in that second half. Leading 28-7, Michigan State backup QB Kirk Cousins had a chance to cut the lead in half with a few minutes left in the third quarter. But Jenkins forced a fumble, Thaddeus Gibson returned it for a TD, and Ohio State never looked back. The defensive was disruptive all day, hammering starter Brian Hoyer and forcing five turnover. Great effort, and a very encouraging sign.

*The defensive scores allowed Jim Tressel to showcase his favorite style of play in the second half - conservative, mistake-free, ball-control offense. The Buckeyes threw just twice in the second half. And you get the feeling even if Michigan State had crept within a couple scores, the playcalling would not have changed one bit. It's worked more often than not, but has sure caused some ulcers over the years.

*Kudos for Robert Rose, who brought pressure in Lawrence Wilson's absence...to the offensive line, which showed marked improvement from the lackluster Purdue game...to Ray Small, for some nice punt returns...

So can this team beat Penn State and gain the inside track to another Big Ten title? The game is at home, if Pryor makes the same leap up he did this week, and the defense stays aggressive, the answer is definitely yes. But Penn State, who lacks a true rival, comes at Ohio State with everything they have every year. They've been on the cusp of an upset at Columbus in the past, and they are very explosive. Ohio State will have to score points to stay in this game...we'll break it down further as the week goes on.