Thee reasons Michigan State could give Ohio State problems Saturday

We examine the three ways the Michigan State Spartans could keep the game close against Ohio State.

The Spartans are starting to show life on the ground

One of the biggest flaws to this year’s iteration of the Michigan State Spartans has been the lack of a consistent running game. Against Northwestern, the Spartans tore up the field with 195 yards. This marked only the second game this season the Spartans went over 100 yards, the other game was against Michigan.

For most of the season, the Spartans have really bad running the ball. Taking into account the Northwestern contest, the run game is averaging 2.7 yards per carry (it had a 4.1 YPC against Northwestern). If the Spartans can gobble up yards on the ground, this will take a lot of pressure off the quarterback and will help the turnover battle.

[listicle id=41477]

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4