Ohio State bounces back with rout of Michigan State

Buckeyes all alone atop Big Ten East with two games left

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

The Ohio State Buckeyes treated Michigan State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium as Iowa treated the Buckeyes a a week ago in Iowa City.

A series featuring games decided in the final minutes the last two years now includes a massive blowout. Ohio State’s 48-3 victory is the most lopsided game in 36 matchups in a series that began in 1912.

RELATED: Photos from first half

The No. 13 Buckeyes (8-2, 6-1) rebounded from the worst loss of the Urban Meyer era. A week ago, they lost 55-24 at Iowa. Ohio State moved a game ahead of No. 12 Michigan State (8-3, 5-2) in the Big Ten East Division with two games to play.

Star of the game: J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber combined to rush for 286 yards.

Top receivers: Binjimen Victor had two catches for 65 yards. He had a 48-yard touchdown catch.

Top defenders: Damon Webb and Damon Arnette had interceptions for Ohio State.

Barrett's day: J.T. Barrett completed 14 of 21 passes for 183 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns.

FIRST-HALF RECAP

Star of the half: Weber rushed eight times for 161 yards with two touchdowns, including an 82-yard run that made it 35-0. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on five of their first six possessions.

Key stat: Ohio State outgained Michigan State 320-104 in total yards.

Key offensive play: Weber rushed 47 yards for a touchdown on Ohio State's first drive.

Top defensive play: Tyquan Lewis forced a fumble that  Arnette recovered, giving Ohio State the ball at the Michigan State 25-yard line. That set up the fourth touchdown of the day, an 8-yard pass from Barrett to Dobbins.

Ejected: Ohio State lost a defensive lineman to a targeting call for the second straight week. Last week, it was Nick Bosa. This week it was Dre'mont Jones.

About the Author