Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State geared up for first and only night game in the 'Shoe this season

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Game time, details

Ohio State has won the last seven meetings with Michigan State, taking the last six by double digits. The closest margin of victory for Ryan Day against the Spartans is 24 points — interestingly enough, that was in 2019 when the Buckeyes had their best team under Day.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series versus Michigan State, 36-15. But Michigan State has spoiled undefeated Ohio State seasons in the Horseshoe before. Interim head coach Harlon Barnett, a former Michigan State player and longtime assistant for the program, knows what that’s like. Can the struggling Spartans do it again under the lights on Saturday night? They have an uphill climb, but they are back in the win column after taking down Nebraska last week, a win that snapped a six-game skid.

• Time: 7:30 p.m. E.T.
• TV Channel: NBC
• Date: Saturday, Nov. 11
• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
• Weather: At kickoff, 42º RealFeel of 40º, 0% chance of rain, winds 6 mph
• The line: Ohio State is a 31.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.
• FOver/under: 47.5 points

Series fun fact

In the last seven games against Michigan State, Ohio State has outscored the Spartans, 282-74. That stretch, however, started with the then-No. 2 Buckeyes scraping out a 17-16 win against a three-win Michigan State team in 2016. This season, Ohio State has a similar setup against the 2023 Spartans, who also have just three wins. Plus, the Buckeyes are not just a top-two squad — they’re the No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff rankings. And, of course, they’re at home instead of East Lansing.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State gambling notes, trends

• The Buckeyes are 5-3-1 against the spread this season. The Buckeyes had covered the spread in every game since it started 0-2 against the number, with the exception of the push at Notre Dame. But they failed to cover by a half-point against Wisconsin two weeks ago.
• The total has gone under in 6 of the last 8 games between Ohio State and Michigan State
• The total has gone over in 14 of Ohio State’s last 19 games against a Big Ten East opponent
• The Buckeyes have went over the total just twice in their eight games this season
• Michigan State is 4-4-1 against the spread this season
• Michigan State is 2-4 against the number in Big Ten play this season
• The total has gone over in four of the last five Michigan State games
• Ohio State has won seven straight games over Michigan State
• Ohio State is 8-0 against the spread in its last 8 games played in Week 11

Bold predictions for Buckeyes against Michigan State

The Lettermen Row staff thinks Ohio State will handle Michigan State in the Horseshoe. But the crew went deeper than their score picks to make bold predictions about what will happen in the Buckeyes’ Week 11 matchup.

READ: Bold Predictions as Buckeyes return home for primetime Michigan State matchup

Stick with Lettermen Row for wall-to-wall game-day coverage

Lettermen Row will be on site for comprehensive coverage of the latest Ohio State home game, as the Buckeyes host Michigan State in Columbus Saturday night. Follow along on X, Instagram and YouTube for experienced coverage.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan State: 0 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 14 days

Are you subscribed yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.