Buckeyes turn attention to Big Ten play starting with road game at Michigan State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After a 3-0 start to the season, now the real chase for success begins for Ohio State. The third-ranked Buckeyes hit the road for the first time, opening up Big Ten play against Michigan State.
"It's always about us. We say that the opponent doesn't matter. But all that being said, going on the road against a conference opponent is a big deal," head coach Ryan Day said in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Ohio State is coming off another lopsided victory, defeating Marshall 49-14, in the final nonconference game of the regular season. Howard accounted for three total touchdowns, and running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for four scores and 253 yards.
Despite another strong performance from Ohio State's ground game, Day says there's still plenty of work left to do this season.
"I don't feel good about anything, that's just my mindset. That has to be everybody's mindset. You start to feel good about something and complacency can sneak up on you real fast," Day said. "I think we're building confidence in it though."
The Spartans, who are 3-1, are coming off a 23-19 loss to Boston College over the weekend. Led by first-year head coach Jonathan Smith, Michigan State already has a Big Ten win under its belt after a three-point win at Maryland on Sept. 7.
"[Smith] has already done a good job of establishing an identity there," Day said. "They have a good young quarterback who can do a lot of different things. He can beat you with his feet. He's made some really nice throws in some big games for them."
Saturday's game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in East Lansing and will be streamed on Peacock.