Michigan State University
4-2 , 2-1
Ohio State
6-0 , 3-0
No. 25 Michigan State Falls At No. 4 Ohio State Saturday Night
10/5/2019 11:19:00 PM | Football
AP Sports Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Justin Fields threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, J.K. Dobbins rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown and No. 4 Ohio State overcame a sluggish start to beat No. 25 Michigan State 34-10 on Saturday night.
The Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) had to work to figure out Michigan State's defense to start, after blowing out every opponent through the first five games. They gained just 16 yards on 16 plays in the first quarter, but got unstuck and put away the Spartans (4-2, 2-1) with big plays.
Dobbins ran the ball 24 times, averaged over 7 yards per carry and had an electrifying 67-yard breakaway for a touchdown late in the first half.
Fields finished 17 for 25 for 206 yards and threw an interception for the first time in his first 175 pass attempts as a Buckeye, picked off by Josiah Scott. He also was sacked three times - twice by Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie. The Spartan linebacker finished the night with 11 tackles, including three for loss. Scott led the MSU defense with 12 stops.
Brian Lewerke was 20-for-38 for 218 yards and a touchdown for the Spartans. Darrell Stewart caught the TD pass, one of his team-leading six receptions for 68 yards. Elijah Collins led the MSU rushing attack with 12 carries for 63 yards.Â
THE TAKEAWAY
Michigan State: Gave the Buckeyes their first real test of the season but couldn't keep up. The offense strung together some chunk plays at times but couldn't find the end zone as the Ohio State defense bore down. Bachie had a great game, finishing with 11 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Ohio State: The Spartans pushed Fields way out of his comfort zone, chasing him around and forcing his first interception. He demonstrated his ability to stay cool, Dobbins ran tough and the Ohio State defense bent but didn't break.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Ohio State finally showed some weaknesses but likely showed well enough against another ranked team to remain in the top four. Michigan State could drop out.
UP NEXT
Michigan State: At No. 8 Wisconsin on Saturday.
Ohio State: After an off week, the Buckeyes play at Northwestern on Oct. 18.
Team Stats
MSU 0, OSU 3
OSU - Haubeil, Blake 39 yd field goal 4 plays, 0 yards, TOP 1:54
MSU 0, OSU 10
OSU - Victor, B. 60 yd pass from Fields, Justin (Haubeil, Blake kick) 5 plays, 86 yards, TOP 1:57
MSU 7, OSU 10
MSU - Stewart, D. 20 yd pass from Lewerke, Brian (Coghlin, Matt kick) 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:36
MSU 7, OSU 17
OSU - Farrell, Luke 21 yd pass from Fields, Justin (Haubeil, Blake kick) 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:27
MSU 10, OSU 17
MSU - Coghlin, Matt 39 yd field goal 9 plays, 34 yards, TOP 5:06
MSU 10, OSU 24
OSU - Dobbins, J.K. 67 yd run (Haubeil, Blake kick), 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:12
MSU 10, OSU 27
OSU - Haubeil, Blake 43 yd field goal 10 plays, 45 yards, TOP 1:41
MSU 10, OSU 34
OSU - Fields, Justin 1 yd run (Haubeil, Blake kick), 11 plays, 80 yards, TOP 4:09
