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The talking heads on ESPN’s College Football Live aren’t the only ones bringing up the 1998 Ohio State loss to Michigan State this week. And why not. It makes for a good story.
Back then, the Buckeyes had this habit of looking like they had a shot and then tossing the entire thing out the window. Kind of like Michigan does now. In 98, Ohio State was ranked #1 and they were a 28 point favorite to beat MSU at Ohio Stadium. In nothing short of a shocker, Michigan State walked away with a 27-24 win ending the Buckeye’s dreams of a national championship run.
The story has a lot going for it too. Michigan State coach Mark Dontonio was and assistant coach for Michigan State at the time. He was later the defensive coordinator when Ohio State walked on the field in Phoenix in 2002 and successfully shut down one of the most potent offense in the nation to win the national championship.
However, 1998 was a different Ohio State football program. In 1998, Ohio State had a knack for blowing big opportunities. The Cooper years were marred by mental breakdowns and opportunities blown. The same cannot be said of the current Ohio State Buckeyes with Coach Tressel at the helm (even with last year’s loss to Florida).
It should make for an interesting game as Dontonio and Tressel know each other well. However, I don’t think Dontonio’s Spartans are up to speed yet. Watch out though. In a couple of years, i think this Michigan State team will be back in the Big Ten hunt.
Both teams are at the top of the Big Ten in offensive points. However, if the Buckeye defense continues to play as it has, it shouldn’t have much difficulty shutting down the Spartan Offense.
Vegas has the Bucks at 17 1/2. If the defense plays to par, the Buckeyes should make the spread. The Buckeye offense needs a good test but I don’t know if Michigan State will be the school to provide it.
That’s all for now, the Indians are beating up on the Sox and that is just too good to miss.
