Saturday, November 04, 2000
Bowl bids in balance for OSU, MSU
Fortunes hinge on strong finishes
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Neither Michigan State nor Ohio State is going to win a Big Ten championship this season, but there is plenty of incentive heading into their showdown today.
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MICH. ST. at OSU
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• Kickoff: 12:10p.m. today, Ohio Stadium (95,346).
• Records: OSU 6-2 (3-2 Big Ten), MSU 4-4 (1-4).
• TV: ESPN.
• Radio: WBOB-AM (1160).
• Series: OSU leads 20-12 (last meeting: 1999, MSU 23-7).
• Line: OSU by 14 1/2.
• What to watch: MSU leads the Big Ten in total defense, allowing an average of 299 yards a game, while OSU is second, allowing an average of 322 yards a game. OSU is averaging 156.5 rushing yards a game and, if the game is low-scoring, the ground game will be key. MSU is seeking its third straight victory over OSU.
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Michigan State (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) needs to win two of its last three games — it also will play host to Purdue and play at Penn State — to qualify for a bowl game.
No.16 Ohio State (6-2, 3-2) can't afford another slip if it wants to play in a New Year's Day bowl game.
The Buckeyes also have a score to settle with the Spartans.
In 1998, Ohio State had been a landslide No.1 choice all season. But Michigan State, which came in as a 17-point underdog, beat the Buckeyes 28-24 at Ohio Stadium.
A year ago, the Spartans beat the Buckeyes 23-7, limiting them to zero rushing yards — their worst running game since 1966.
“I remember what happened two years ago and last year,” OSU wide receiver Chad Cacchio said. “I know it'll feel good if we go out there and play a good game and win.”
The Spartans are No.1 in the Big Ten in total defense and Ohio State is No.2. But each has problems on offense.
Last Saturday, Ohio State's defense intercepted four passes, yet the Buckeyes lost at Purdue 31-27.
“We played great defensively,” OSU coach John Cooper said. “We had the ball in great field position but didn't take advantage of it.”
The Spartans will start freshman Jeff Smoker at quarterback. They have won all four games Smoker started this season.
“Seeing how the players responded to him, I would imagine this decision would have a very positive response,” MSU coach Bobby Williams said of Smoker.
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Bowl bids in balance for OSU, MSU
