by Michigan State’s stagnant offense has not once scored more than 30 points in a game this season. Their upset over Northwestern was their highest scoring game with 29.
This group will need to step it up this weekend and that all starts with Rocky Lombardi. Lombardi is a junior quarterback with good size but has been quite average.
Against Michigan, Lombardi was 17-32 for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was fantastic. Just one week later against Iowa, Lombardi was 17-37 for 227 yards and 3 interceptions.
He needs to find some consistency soon in order to play a complete game versus the Buckeyes. Top target Jalen Nailor getting open would increase the possibility of a solid game.
The struggles actually have a lot to do with the lack of rushing attack. In five games, MSU has not been able to find any success moving the ball on the ground, putting a lot of pressure on Lombardi. Connor Heyward is the leading rusher with 52 carries and 179 yards and Jordan Simmons has 42 carries for 147 yards.
Michigan State only has one rushing touchdown on the season and that touchdown is from… THE PUNTER.
The defense is the strength as everyone already knows. The Spartans will be physical in the box and try to control the line of the scrimmage with help from the linebackers.
Antjuan Simmons and Noah Harvey are the leading tacklers on the team. Both linebackers will look to be physical against the run and shut down Master Teague and Trey Sermon.
Senior defensive end Jacub Panasiuk provides the experience and leadership upfront. Drew Beesley will be operating on the opposite side and try to pressure Fields. Beesley is the sack leader with three.
