Michigan State @ Ohio State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 18, 2008 ) Ohio State 45, Michigan State 7

THE STORY: Quarterback Braxton Miller will make his second career start as he looks to lead Ohio State to its eighth straight victory over No. 25 Michigan State. The Buckeyes are coming off a 37-17 win over Colorado; they had dropped out of the top 25 for the first time since 2004 following their loss to Miami the week before. The Spartans, looking for their first road win, are coming off a 45-7 rout of Central Michigan. This will be the 40th meeting between the schools. Ohio State holds a 27-12 advantage and won the most recent meeting, 45-7, in 2008.

TV: ABC/ESPN. Line: Ohio State -3.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten): Le’Veon Bell rushed for 81 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win. The Spartans, who are 7-14 all-time in Columbus, have outscored opponents 130-44, with 31 of the 44 coming in a loss to Notre Dame. Kirk Cousins has thrown for 947 yards and five touchdowns, and his favorite target, B.J. Cunningham, leads the Big Ten with 29 receptions. Michigan State, which will be without defensive end Tyler Hoover, has the nation’s No. 1 defense, allowing 172 yards per game. Hoover is out with a fractured rib.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (3-1, 0-0 Big Ten): Miller threw for 83 yards and two touchdowns — both to wide receiver Devin Smith — and rushed for 83 yards in the win over Colorado. Jordan Hall finished with 84 yards rushing and added a score to lead Ohio State’s ground attack, which outgained the Buffaloes 226-76. Luke Fickell, who is the first Buckeye coach to open conference play against a defending Big Ten champion, is coaching his last game without four seniors, who will return from suspension following this week’s game. Ohio State, which is 4-0 all-time against the Spartans in conference openers, has been solid defensively, limiting opponents to less than 16 points per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio State is 70-23-4 in conference openers since joining the Big Ten in 1913.

2. Fifth-year Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has a win against every conference team except Ohio State and recently-added Nebraska.

3. The Buckeyes are 55-5 in Ohio Stadium since 2002.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 27, Ohio State 24 – Miller will find it difficult to outrun the speed of the Spartans' defense and will likely make some costly mistakes.