Fulton Analysis: It's the fits

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An otherwise solid defensive effort by Ohio State was marred by the Buckeyes yielding explosive plays to Michigan State. Against the Spartan pro-style personnel, the Buckeyes largely reverted to its 4-3 over front. In response – like its defense – Michigan State deployed an aggressive game plan, using double screens, reverses, and other constraints to generate yards.

The Spartans set the tone early with a fake reverse, double screen, where Michigan State caught boundary corner Marshon Lattimore and boundary safety Malik Hooker flat footed and out of position.

The Buckeye defense thereafter tightened down on the numerous screen attempts.

Michigan State’s remaining explosive plays largely resulted from the Spartans targeting Will linebacker Jerome Baker with the run game. Michigan State overwhelming ran to the short field. When Baker maintained contained and forced Spartan running back L.J. Scott inside, Ohio State largely limited Michigan State. The Buckeye defensive line generally controlled the line of scrimmage.