Opponent Watch: 3 Things To Watch For From Michigan State

“There is nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you…” ~ Woody Hayes

Recently, my sister Col suggested that I alter and adjust my usual quote that begins my “Opponent Watch” segment here on The Ozone.net.

“Why not vary it up?”, Col suggested.  After Ohio State was soundly beaten at Iowa, I felt a good quote about dealing with and moving beyond a difficult loss was in order. Who else better to deliver it than former Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes, before the pivotal game against Michigan State on November 11th?  Consider Ohio State thoroughly cleansed.

Now it’s on to Michigan State, the game that can determine the probable winner of the B1G East Division in 2017.

Ordinarily, I rattle off the name or names of players on the opposing team that Ohio State offered a scholarship to, but the player or players decided to sign with the opposing team instead.  While Michigan State has a few players on their roster that fit that description, I want to share the number 26 with you.

26 represents the number of Ohioans on the Michigan State roster.  While some of these players were recruited by Ohio State, the vast majority of them were not, and that is always something that Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio likes to point out to his players whenever this game comes up on the schedule.  Consider that little tidbit of information as a purely motivational advantage that Michigan State has coming into this game.

Below are three areas I will be concentrating on when the game between Michigan State and Ohio State kicks off at high noon in Ohio Stadium on November 11th.

Will Matt Sokol Be A Crucial Part Of The Michigan State Offensive Game Plan?

Matt Sokol is the starting tight end for the Spartans, and has caught 16 passes this season for 166 yards and 1 touchdown.  Those are not necessarily earth-shattering statistics, but think back to last week’s Iowa game and how effectively Iowa used their tight ends against Ohio State’s linebackers and safeties.  Listed at 6’6″, 250 pounds, Sokol could be a difficult match-up defensively.

Will Brian Lewerke Keep Drives Alive With His Legs?

At his press conference on November 8th, Urban Meyer described Lewerke as “a guy that is deceptively fast and he creates a lot of plays on his own.”.  One of the most challenging aspects for the Ohio State defense against Penn State was Trace McSorley’s ability to scramble out of trouble and buy time while running for first downs.

While not as nimble as McSorley, Lewerke can pick up yards when needed, as evidenced by the 25 yards he gained rushing last week when the Spartans defeated Penn State.

Will Mark Dantonio Unleash A Special Teams Trick Play Upon Ohio State?

Ohio State’s special teams woes continued last week against Iowa, and not as a result of poor kickoff coverage, but instead when Iowa ran a fake field goal that resulted in a Hawkeye touchdown.

Mark Dantonio has been known to use trick plays in the past, and this game is as big as they come. Keep in mind that whichever team wins this game is probably going to be winning the B1G East Division and headed to Indianapolis.

Ohio State’s special teams need to be on high alert for the possibilities of fakes, regardless of whether Michigan State is punting the ball or trying field goals.