First thoughts: Buckeyes overcome sloppy first half, rout Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Maybe this was the perfect first road test for Ohio State. Michigan State had a raucous crowd on hand in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans had belief that an upset could be brewing -- and for a while, they were right to believe so. The home team gave the Buckeyes defense fits through the first half. They were only slowed down by two red zone turnovers and a turnover on downs. They only punted once.