Three things to watch when Ohio State plays at Michigan State on Saturday
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The stakes are higher in Week 5 for Ohio State as it faces its first Big Ten opponent of the season. And the third-ranked Buckeyes will do so away from the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium under the lights at Michigan State.
"I'm really excited. I grew up watching the Big Ten. Spartan Stadium is a cool place," quarterback Will Howard said ahead of his Big Ten debut. "It's going to be a night game. It's going to be fun. It's going to be poppin'. I'm looking forward to it."
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in East Lansing, Michigan, with the game being streamed on Peacock.
The Spartans will easily be Ohio State's toughest opponent after lopsided victories over Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall. They are coming off a narrow 23-19 loss to Boston College last weekend but already have a conference win, 27-24 over Maryland on the road in Week 2.
Here are three things to watch when Ohio State visits Michigan State in primetime on Saturday.
More options and plays on offense
Through three games, the Buckeyes offense has largely been led on the ground by running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. The two have combined for 543 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 9.1 yards a carry.
Although others have contributed in the air and on the ground, the Buckeyes feel there's even more they can do on offense.
"We want to be able to run right at you, run it outside. Throw the ball horizontally and vertically. When you can do all those things, you're putting the defense in the highest amount of stress possible," coach Ryan Day said. "The key is when they take away something, can you get to the next thing? That's what's important."
Howard, who has thrown for 795 yards and six touchdowns against one interception, says he wants to push the ball downfield more.
"I think we do have the ability to do it, and I need to be able to show that. I don't think I've shown that yet," Howard said. "But I'm excited to get more opportunities to do that, because it's a young season and we've got a lot of time. Pushing the ball down the field is one of the things that should be on of our strengths."
Carnell Tate's consistency
Although Judkins, Henderson, Howard and Jeremiah Smith have made the highlight reel numerous times, you can argue that Carnell Tate has been the unsung hero who is waiting to break out. The receiver has been praised for his consistency, doing the little things for the offense.
"His accountability is tremendous. His blocking, his attention to detail. His route running. The precision of his routes," Day said.
The Chicago native has been in the shadow of senior Emeka Egbuka and first-round draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. But Day says he's carving out his own legacy, and Howard agrees, noting the impact he has even when Tate doesn't have the ball in his hands.
"There were some blocks that he made on some plays that turned some 10-yard gains into 20- and 25-yard gains," Howard said. "That's a difference maker and he's done a really good job with that."
Going on the road
Ohio State won't have a home crowd supporting it this weekend like they've had for the last three games. Day knows that sticking to a routine will be key.
"This is new. You're going on the road, a conference environment. I'm sure they'll have a great crowd. Night game," Day said. "They're playing good football. We've got to face our first challenge on the road, and that comes with a lot of different things."
Day is 5-0 against Michigan State. Overall, the Buckeyes are 19-5 in East Lansing and haven't lost there since 1999.