Ohio State vs Michigan State LIVE Radio Broadcast: Electric Buckeyes Offense Takes on Staunch Spartan Defense in Big Ten Championship Clash
ByUrban Meyer always believed his Ohio State Buckeyes (2) deserved a shot at the BCS National Championship, and now, facing the Michigan State Spartans (10), that is exactly what they have.
Both the Buckeyes and Spartans come into the 2013 Big Ten Championship game undefeated within the conference. The only difference is the Spartans' single loss on the season to Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have stayed undefeated all year and have trailed Alabama and Florida State all season in the BCS rankings.
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When Auburn upset Alabama last week, Ohio State moved into the second slot, while Florida State became the new number one. Ohio State can greatly increase their chance of being voted into the National Championship with a win, but even still, they may have to compete for votes with Auburn, should they beat Missouri.
For Michigan State, winning would almost guarantee an appearance in the Rose Bowl, a coveted game they may still get to play in even after losing Saturday night.
"I'm not thinking about losing," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said, according to ESPN. "We're going to look at the things we can control."
For Ohio State, the only game that currently matters is the one in front of them. While Florida State may seemingly have a more winnable game (which starts just before the Buckeyes' matchup), Meyer has no such luxury.
"Our focus is on this game and that's it," Meyer, Ohio State's head coach, said. "It'd be a disservice to our players if I went and worried about it. We have to move the ball against a great defense, and that's my focus."
The Spartans come into the game with the third-best defense in the league, trailing only Alabama and Florida State in terms of average points per game allowed. Ohio State's defense does not quite matchup, but their offense has been relentless.
The Buckeyes rank 6th in total yards, 2nd in rushing yards and 3rd in passing yards. For the Spartans, whose offensive numbers do not compare, it will be highly important for the defense to limit their opponent's yardage and time spent on the field.