MSU football grades vs. Ohio State: Offense, defense, coaching

INJURY: 4

When you totaled 246 yards, turned in the red zone twice (three times total), and only scored once, you’d think it was a completely dismal day offensively. But that’s not the case. MSU managed to move the chains effectively in the first half, outscoring Ohio State on six plays of 15 yards or more. Aidan Chiles was the best he’s ever been for a while, completing 10 of his first 12 throws – including the kind of deep out against Nick Marsh that will have you playing sometime on Sundays. But the attack continued in the second half and the mistakes in the first half prevented the result from being interesting.

DEFENSE: 5

During Ohio State’s first offense, it seemed like it was going to be a long night for MSU’s defense. But the Spartans used a penalty to force a field goal, then held on and made a couple of big stops when the outcome was still in doubt – an interception by Jordan Turner, whose return to the 12-yard line scored the only touchdown of the game MSU allowed , and a three-pointer after Chiles fumbled when the officiating team missed a blatant grab for his facemask. Emotions were running high in that moment and MSU’s defense came through in a disciplined manner. The Spartans were beaten on third down too often, and when they did get a stop, they gave up a score or a first down on fourth down three times, although a touchdown came on an incredible catch by Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith .

SPECIAL TEAMS: 4

Ryan Eckley averaged 46.6 yards on five punts, including a 58-yarder, but he made the one punt that really counted, a rare mistake for the MSU sophomore. Eckley’s 27-yard punt late in the second quarter gave the Buckeyes a short field that turned into a touchdown drive just before halftime, giving them a 24-7 lead. That was the only notable special teams play all night.