The Matchups: MSU vs. OSU

MSU's OL and RBs

Javon Ringer carried the ball 18 times for just 49 yards (2.7 per carry) against this defense last season. He may have double the amount of carries today, and MSU needs him to exceed 100 yards. Senior Mike Bacon did a nice job filling in at center last week for Joel Nitchman, who left the game after taking a shot to the head. Nitchman should be back today for a line that will be tested - as it was two weeks ago vs. Iowa.

Ohio State's front seven

End Lawrence Wilson was lost for the season with a knee injury last week against Purdue. That hurts - for OSU and Wilson, who broke his leg in the season opener a year ago. Some of the punch is gone from a line that lost Vernon Gholston to the NFL, but OSU still has waves of good players here. And linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman are ridiculous. As in, good ridiculous.

MSU's QBs and receivers

Quietly, Brian Hoyer seems to be improving each week. He broke out with a big game against Indiana, then threw lasers for most of the contest with Iowa before making a pair of late mistakes. He played about as well as a quarterback can play against Northwestern. He needs Mark Dell (leg) to be going full speed today. Freshman Keshawn Martin continues to work his way into the offensive game plan.

Ohio State's defensive backs

The best secondary MSU has faced this season - only Southern Cal has made a serious dent in it. The Buckeyes are giving up 165.4 yards a game, with 10 picks and seven touchdown passes. Malcolm Jenkins is a top-10 NFL pick cornerback, but Chimdi Chekwa is a playmaker as well. They will bump and try to bother MSU's receivers. Safeties Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell are tough.

MSU's front seven

The stray mistake or two that seems to lead to a big play in each game can't happen today. Last week, MSU's linebackers got mixed up, leaving a wide lane for Tyrell Sutton to run through for 66 yards. Beanie Wells shredded the Spartans for 221 yards on 31 carries a year ago. Players worth watching today: End Brandon Long and tackle Justin Kershaw, Ohio natives and seniors who have been playing big.

Ohio State's OL and RBs

Beanie Wells is MSU's No. 1 concern today. He's a dominating force. The same can't be said lately of Ohio State's line. The only loss from last season was right tackle Kirk Barton, but OSU has allowed 19 sacks - five more than anyone else in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have shuffled their guards this week, and they have a true freshman at center in Mike Brewster.

MSU's defensive backs

The big question for MSU is the status of sophomore corner Chris L. Rucker (arm), who warmed up last week but did not play. The Warren, Ohio native is the Spartans' best cornerback and would be a help. Aside from a couple mistakes against Indiana, this secondary has been a strength. Safeties Dan Fortener and Otis Wiley are making plays, and reserve corner Jeremy Ware has emerged as a talent.

Ohio State's QB and receivers

Might Todd Boeckman see some action? It doesn't sound like it, but if freshman Terrelle Pryor struggles early, perhaps it will be a consideration. Pryor is a can't-miss star who already has a comeback win at Wisconsin to his name. He also looks like a freshman at times, and the offense bogged down last week. OSU should utilize its passing game more, because receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline are outstanding.

MSU's special teams

The kicking game was near flawless against Northwestern. Brett Swenson nailed three more field goals, giving him an MSU record 15 straight makes. Aaron Bates dropped three punts deep in Northwestern territory. Todd Boleski boomed kickoffs all day. Otis Wiley had a big punt return. And Glenn Winston nearly broke a pair of kick returns for scores. The Spartans need a repeat to win a game like this.

Ohio State's special teams

Ohio State's special teams are typically strong. Ryan Pretorius is 13 of 17 on field goals. A.J. Trapasso averages 43.0 yards per punt. Ray Small has a punt return for a touchdown and leads the league with a 15.2 average. OSU is second in net punting and kick coverage, a reflection of the athletes it possesses. The Buckeyes haven't done much this year on kickoff returns.

Michigan State

Mark Dantonio and many of his staffers may have close relationships with the Ohio State guys, but that doesn't mean they aren't dying to beat them. This is their first time playing a home game against Tressel and Co. And it's their first decent chance to win. MSU is still a rebuilding program, but Dantonio and his coaches have the players' collective attention, and the players are doing special things.

Ohio State

Jim Tressel remains the best coach in the Big Ten and one of the best in the nation - even if a Buckeyes fan or two lamented his "big game" shortcomings after the loss to USC. Anyone can bring talent to Ohio State, but Tressel has been able to mold consistently tough, even-keeled, defensively stout teams. If there's a criticism of this team, it may be predictability on offense.

Michigan State

The Spartans have that winning feeling, which really started when they made some key second-half plays to secure a win over Notre Dame. Since then, MSU's confidence has increased. The players will be aided today by what should be a raucous, well-oiled Spartan Stadium sellout crowd. And there's always the payback angle and the Ohio angle - throw it all into the mix.

Ohio State

It was fair to wonder whether OSU would recover from the 35-3 humiliation at USC, considering the emphasis the veterans put on getting another national title shot. Some of them forfeited NFL millions for that shot. This team has yet to fully click, but it is still chasing a third straight outright Big Ten crown. And as seen at Wisconsin, it has the experience and confidence needed late in close games.

- Joe Rexrode