Sometimes there are simple statistics that pretty much sum up games. In Michigan State’s 17-14 win over Ohio State, there were a few.
The first is that the Buckeyes ran 45 total plays on offense; the Spartans had 51 rushing attempts. The second: Ohio State’s offense went three-and-out six times; it also had just five first downs in the game.
Those numbers essentially tell the whole tale. The Buckeyes’ offense couldn’t stay on the field, putting the defense in a difficult position. In the end, it was simply too much.
Michigan State ran for 203 yards against Ohio State. That’s a pretty good number, but certainly not an earth-shattering one. On 51 carries, that’s just four yards a pop. But things eventually took their toll and the Buckeyes’ defense looked gassed at the end of the game.
“Time of possession, obviously was something that wasn’t in our favor,” co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said. “The reality is we didn’t get the job done when it needed to be done.”
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer described it a little differently.
“Disheartening especially it was all mostly run,” he said. “I think disheartening is a correct word when you feel like you’re 14-7 or 7-0, you go up and you’re up 14-7 and they take it the length of the field.”
Elliott’s Streak Comes to Screeching Hault
By now, everyone has heard the comments made by Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott following Saturday’s game, but in case by some miracle you hadn’t, here is a brief summary.
Elliott was displeased with the Buckeyes’ play calling Saturday night, saying he didn’t understand why he did not receive more than 12 carries. Elliott also said “there’s no chance of me coming back here next year.”
“I think I do deserve more than [12] carries, I think I really do,” Elliott said. “I mean honestly, I can’t speak for the play calling. I don’t know what was going on. I don’t know what they were seeing.”
Elliott gained just 33 yards on those 12 carries. In the game’s second half, he carried the ball two times for three yards. It was especially stunning when you consider the junior All-American candidate had run for at least 100 yards in the Buckeyes’ 15 previous games. That streak is officially over.
“Just so many people at the line of scrimmage,” Meyer said. “We couldn't control it.”
Meyer Takes Blame For Play Calling
When Meyer was asked in his postgame press conference if he was content with the play calling Saturday night, Ohio State’s head coach offered a quick response.
“No, I was not content,” he said.
The Buckeyes refused to try and establish any sort of passing attack. They didn’t even challenge a Michigan State secondary which came into the game ranked 86th nationally in pass defense.
Meyer said he wasn’t pleased with that plan, but also opted to place the blame on himself.
“I call a lot of plays anyways so finger will be pointed right here,” Meyer said. I have to do better. We didn’t — very conservative.”
Big Ten Championship Game Possibilities
As much as Ohio State’s loss Saturday night felt like a season-ender, the fact of the matter is the Buckeyes still have an outside chance to play for a Big Ten championship.
Ohio State will need help, of course, but the Buckeyes will go to Indianapolis to face Iowa if they beat Michigan next weekend and Penn State can upset Michigan State. If the Spartans handle their business, they’ll be playing for the title. If the Wolverines knock off Ohio State and Michigan State loses, Jim Harbaugh’s group will earn the right to face the Hawkeyes.
Ohio State senior linebacker Joshua Perry dismissed any notions it would be difficult for the Buckeyes to get up for their next game after Saturday’s stunning loss.
“It’s gonna be easy,” Perry said. “We don’t have any other response. If we don’t, then we’re just a phony team.”
