More Than Just A Big Ten Championship On The Line For Ohio State Against Michigan State

After 24 wins in a row, it’s nice to finally have a chance to play in a postseason game where implications are on the line. After serving their NCAA penalties, the Ohio State Buckeyes are 12-0 for the second-straight year, only this time get the opportunity to play in the Big Ten Championship. For the Buckeyes, a trip to the BCS Championship could be on the line as they prepare to take on Michigan State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This one kicks off at 8pm ET on Saturday night on Fox.

This will be the first top-10 opponent that Ohio State has played outside of a bowl game in 4 years. You’d have to go back to USC in 2009 to find the last. The Buckeyes strength of schedule combined with some lackluster efforts in some victories have led to criticism. However, a win over the Spartans, who have the country’s top-ranked defense, would go a long way to silencing doubters and likely propel the Buckeyes into the championship game in Pasadena.

Of course, it almost fell apart last week in a 42-41 win over Michigan. The Buckeyes offense was on fire, but defensively it was a struggle. That was until the two-point conversion attempt by the Wolverines to win the game with only a few seconds to play. Ohio State stepped up and did what it needed to do to win the game. Now the question remains as to whether the Buckeyes can do it this week.

The Ohio State offense scores 48 points points game, while the Michigan State defense surrenders just 11.8 points per game. Both rank in the top-five respectively.

The Spartans’ only loss this season was in September to Notre Dame 17-13. Michigan State rides an eight-game win streak and finish a perfect 8-0 in the Big Ten along with Ohio State. This will definitely be the biggest test for the Michigan State defense. Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller is a threat with his arms and legs, and containment will be a point of emphasis.

The stakes for this title game couldn’t be higher. Plenty will be tuned in and if Ohio State can pull it out, they just might be playing for the national title.