Five Bold Predictions as Buckeyes host Michigan State in Big Ten battle

COLUMBUS — The memories aren’t really that fresh anymore for most of the guys inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center at Ohio State.

Yes, the Urban Meyer Era included a pair of high-profile, upset losses to Michigan State. And there are certainly people around Columbus who can go back further and point to a shocking defeat or two that still stings. Even when the Spartans haven’t pulled off the stunner, they’ve certainly had a knack for making the Buckeyes work for a victory.

But there are also some recent games that could potentially serve as reminders of how wide the talent gap is between the two programs, including an absolute beatdown two years ago in the Horseshoe or the fact that Michigan State hasn’t scored a touchdown in the last two meetings in the series. So, it’s probably with that in mind that Ohio State coach Ryan Day made it an emphasis this week to remind his team how costly it can be when it isn’t locked in for a matchup with the Spartans.

“These guys, they’re not going to be intimidated by Ohio State,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said. “Are you kidding me? They’ve been in here plenty of times in the stadium and done a great job. One of the more storied histories in all of college football is at Michigan State. Those guys know the recipe, and we’d better come to play or else we’re going to be in it.

“You’ve just got to be physical. I know those guys are going to do the same thing. They don’t turn the ball over. They control the game. And if we come in and do anything other than what we’ve done in the past, we’re going to be in it up to our eyeballs.”

The other option is Ohio State showing up as focused as it has been through the first five weeks, flexing its might in all three phases and showing exactly why it’s a heavy double-digit favorite in the Horseshoe on Saturday night. With the Lettermen Row crew again unanimously picking the Buckeyes to extend the winning streak, the staff went beyond the score to make Five Bold Predictions about the matchup with Michigan State.

Austin Ward: Chase Young ties Ohio State single-game sack mark

The record books are in the midst of an all-out assault from Chase Young, and it’s not going to slow down at all on Saturday night against Michigan State and a vulnerable offensive line. There might not be anybody in the country right now who could truly slow down the Ohio State star, who is fully healthy this season, bursting with confidence and just about unblockable thanks to his freakish athleticism. The single-game mark is is four sacks, with John Simon the last to do it back in 2012. Young, by the way, already has a three-sack performance on his resumé. The Spartans aren’t equipped to deal with him on the edge, and Young should feast in the Horseshoe.

Jeremy Birmingham: Justin Fields accounts for 400 yards of offense

The Buckeyes have put the brakes on Justin Fields for the most part the season, but on Saturday night against the Spartans, Fields will be fully unleashed for the first time. Michigan State and its aggressive defensive line will play right into the hands of a quarterback like Fields, who has the ability to make big plays out of nothing — especially when a pocket disappears.

We saw a glimpse of what he could do in called-run situations against Nebraska, and this weekend the threat of mobility from Fields will open up the passing game even more than it has in recent weeks. The Spartans will have to pick and choose being trying to take away the one-two punch of J.K. Dobbins and Master Teague or to put the onus firmly on the inexperienced quarterback.

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is putting up huge numbers for the Buckeyes so far this season. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Tim May: Malik Harrison gets his breakout performance

There are few players on the Ohio State roster who rival Malik Harrison in potential upside. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds with great speed and athletic ability best highlighted by his high-flying thunderdunks on the basketball court during the offseason, he appears to be everything one would want from a weakside linebacker on a marauding defense. He has shown flashes of domination — and did lead the team in tackles last year with 81. At the moment, though, he’s tied for the lead with safety Jordan Fuller at 25, and Harrison is second to Chase Young in sacks with 3.5, no doubt a product of opponents being behind and needing to throw in what’s been a landslide season so far for the Buckeyes. But with Michigan State’s more conventional offensive approach, this could be the night when the weakside linebacker flourishes statistically due to opportunities.

Spencer Holbrook: Jonathon Cooper gets two sacks for Ohio State

For all the talk surrounding the offensive line play of Michigan State and how Chase Young will torment it, Jonathon Cooper is finally healthy and ready to get on the board. Cooper had an instant impact last week against Nebraska, forcing Adrian Martinez into an interception that basically ended any chance the Cornhuskers had of a comeback against the Buckeyes. Michigan State’s offensive line has struggled, no doubt. But that means Young should be seeing double teams, allowing Cooper to get at least a share of two sacks in a big win.

Will Crall: Justin Fields will set career high in passing yards

Justin Fields is continuing to grow every week, and he’s due for his biggest performance with the Buckeyes in terms of passing yards. To date, the high-water mark for Fields has been 234 yards against Florida Atlantic, which has partly been due to the success of the Ohio State ground game. Michigan State has a stout rush defense that currently ranks No. 4 in the nation, and as a result I think Ohio State will throw it more than it has the last few games. The offensive line is playing at a level we haven’t seen at Ohio State since 2014, and those guys will give Fields plenty of time to spread it around.