Michigan State has had two good running games this year, they won both
The 134 yards rushing in the first half are the most yards @MSU_Football has gained in a game this year. The previous high was 126 against Michigan in Week 2. In its last two games, the Spartans totaled a combined 119 yards.
— B Tripi (@btripi) November 28, 2020
Looking at the two wins from Michigan State, the thing that stood out the most is that the running game was successful in both games. Stopping the run means forcing the Spartans to pass, which has been marginal this season. Should the Buckeyes keep the Spartan rushing attack stymied, then the game becomes one dimensional.
Rocky Lombardi, the Michigan State quarterback, has been very inconsistent and has thrown eight interceptions so far this year. Keeping the running game behind the chains will force Lombardi to have to throw. It all starts up front and keeping the Spartans from grinding yards out on the ground.