No. 3 Ohio State opened its Big Ten conference schedule with a trip to East Lansing, Michigan, where the undefeated Buckeyes faced the Michigan State Spartans. It's been an impressive start to the season for Ohio State, which breezed through its nonconference schedule and hardly broke a sweat in the process. Perhaps the Buckeyes' first road game of the season against a 3-1 Michigan State team would provide a touch more resistance? Recent history suggests probably not! 

Michigan State won three of the five meetings between these programs from 2011 to 2015, but it's been all Buckeyes since. Not only has Ohio State won the last eight matchups, but it's done so by an average of 30.4 points. What could work in Michigan State's favor is that it has already faced Big Ten competition, picking up a 27-24 road win over Maryland in Week 2. The Spartans are coming off a 23-19 road loss last week to Boston College.

Ohio State outscored its nonconference opponents 157-20: I mentioned the Buckeyes barely broke a sweat in their nonconference slate, and if they did, it was only from sprinting long distances on their way to scoring touchdowns. Only Marshall managed to score a touchdown against the Buckeyes (and it scored two), but nobody was ever able to keep it close. It's the first time since 1919 that Ohio State has won its first three games of the season by at least 35 points.

Michigan State has more turnovers than any team in the Big Ten: It's not the category you want to lead anybody in, but the Spartans enter the game with 10 turnovers on the season. Not only is it the most in the Big Ten, but it ranks tied for 127th of 134 teams in the country. It's the road often traveled by teams with young quarterbacks. Aidan Chiles is a talented QB with a special arm, but he's thrown seven interceptions this season to only four touchdowns.

Ohio State has won 42 straight against unranked opponents: It's a stat that doesn't bode well for the Spartans here. It is the longest active streak among FBS programs, and the third-longest of the last 30 seasons. The last loss Ohio State suffered to a team without one of those cool numbers next to its name was in 2018 against Purdue. The Buckeyes were shocked 49-20 by the Boilermakers. While they'd go on to win the Big Ten that year, the loss kept them out of the College Football Playoff. Instead they beat Washington 28-23 in the Rose Bowl.

Michigan State will be the best team Ohio State has played so far, but I don't think we've seen a true glimpse at what Ohio State's capable of. We've only seen a facade of what the new Buckeyes offense will look like under Chip Kelly, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hasn't been forced to go deep into his playbook, either. That latter part worries me when it comes to Aidan Chiles and his propensity to turn the ball over. Pick: Ohio State -24

The Ohio State Buckeyes Dominate the Michigan State Spartans

The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 3 in the nation, traveled to East Lansing, Michigan, to take on the Michigan State Spartans in a Big Ten showdown. The Buckeyes, known for their offensive firepower, were heavily favored in the matchup, and they did not disappoint. They put on a dominant performance, cruising to a 38-7 victory over the Spartans. It was a statement win that showcased the Buckeyes' strengths and underlined the Spartans' struggles.

A Dominant First Half for Ohio State

The Buckeyes established their dominance early on, taking a commanding lead in the first half. Quarterback Will Howard, a key piece of the Buckeye offense, orchestrated the game effectively, leading the team to a 24-7 advantage at halftime. Jeremiah Smith, a standout freshman receiver, showcased his impressive talent with two touchdowns in the first half, including a highlight-reel catch that drew praise from LeBron James.

The Buckeyes Extend Their Lead

In the second half, the Buckeyes continued their relentless offensive assault, extending their lead further. Howard added a touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka and a rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach. The Spartans, despite their valiant effort, couldn't keep pace with the Buckeyes' scoring frenzy. The Spartans, despite their valiant effort, couldn't keep pace with the Buckeyes' scoring frenzy.

Ohio State's Defense Shines

The Buckeyes' defense played a key role in the victory, limiting the Spartans' offensive output. They held Michigan State's offense to just seven points, making it clear that they were the better team on both sides of the ball. Standout performances from Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Jack Sawyer helped solidify the Buckeyes' defensive dominance.

The Buckeyes Look Ahead

The Buckeyes, now 4-0 on the season, will look to continue their winning ways in Week 5 when they host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Ohio Stadium. With their offense clicking on all cylinders and their defense proving to be a formidable force, the Buckeyes appear poised for a strong season. They're hoping to build on this victory, maintain their momentum, and ultimately make a run at a national championship.

The Spartans Struggle to Keep Up

Despite their valiant efforts, the Spartans couldn't keep up with the Buckeyes' relentless offensive attack. They fell behind early, and the deficit continued to grow as the game progressed. They'll look to bounce back from this loss and try to improve their standing in the Big Ten, but they'll need to find ways to be more competitive on both sides of the ball to do so.

A Challenging Season for Michigan State

The Spartans are facing a challenging season with several key players missing from their lineup due to injury. This loss to Ohio State adds to the pressure as they face a difficult schedule ahead. They'll need to find a way to gel as a team, remain focused, and overcome the adversity they're facing to find success.

The Future is Uncertain for the Spartans

The Spartans are looking to rebuild under coach Jonathan Smith, and their path to success might be a bumpy one. They'll need time to build a stronger foundation for their program and make the necessary improvements on both sides of the ball to become more competitive in the Big Ten.

A Convincing Win for the Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes' dominant victory over Michigan State sent a clear message to the rest of the college football world: they're a force to be reckoned with. Their potent offense and suffocating defense make them a legitimate contender for the national championship.

The Buckeyes are now 4-0 on the season and will be looking to continue their winning ways in Week 5 when they host the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes are a tough opponent, but the Buckeyes will be looking to build on their momentum and remain undefeated.

A Tough Loss for the Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans, meanwhile, suffered a tough loss to Ohio State. They'll need to learn from this experience and make the necessary adjustments to be more competitive in the Big Ten. Their journey to improvement will take time, and they'll need to find a way to overcome the adversity they're facing to find success.

The Buckeyes' victory was a testament to their talent and dedication. They're a well-rounded team with the potential to achieve great things this season. The Spartans, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do, but with time and effort, they can build a competitive program. This game was a classic example of the difference between a team with a strong foundation and a team that's still in the process of rebuilding.