With rainy conditions in Columbus on Saturday, play was bound to be a bit ugly on offense for both Michigan State and Ohio State.
However, the Buckeyes have really struggled on offense in the first half, generating only 87 total yards. Quarterback Braxton Miller has passed for just 57 yards and one interception on 5-of-9 passing. The Spartans’ defense has also sacked Miller three times.
The running game hasn’t produced much better. Carlos Hyde leads Ohio State in rushing with 21 yards.
For Michigan State, Kirk Cousins has completed 13-of-19 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. He connected with receiver B.J. Cunningham for the game’s lone score on a 33-yard pass. Cunningham leads the Spartans in receiving with 90 yards on seven receptions.
What Ohio State has lacked in offense, it’s made up for on defense against the MSU running game. Le’Veon Bell has only 22 yards on six carries in the first half. Edwin Baker added 11 yards on three carries.
The Spartans had a chance at a second touchdown late in the first half, with Cousins connecting with Cunningham three times during the drive. But at the Buckeyes’ 25-yard line, Cousins fumbled while attempting to throw the ball. Johnathan Hankins recovered the turnover for Ohio State.