Scarlet Sunrise: What Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith said about Buckeyes

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is hitting the road for the first time this season, heading up north to face Michigan State, a program that is 3-1 under first-year coach Jonathan Smith.

The Spartans have already been on the road twice and have a Big Ten game under their belts. The Buckeyes, well, haven’t been tested.

Smith held his weekly press conference on Monday ahead of this week’s matchup, and he had this to say about the Buckeyes:

“We have a bunch of respect for them, but again, we’re going to treat this Saturday and our approach to this Saturday very similar,” he said, “understanding that we’re going to have to play really well to win the game, and I think we approach it like that week-in and week-out.”

Smith knows what this game could do for his program as it welcomes in the No. 3 Buckeyes, his first game against a ranked matchup as the coach in East Lansing after he spent the last few years at his alma mater, Oregon State.

“We’re excited about the opportunity on Saturday,” Smith said. “We get 12 of them guaranteed. I want our approach to be pretty consistent. We respect everybody we play. Obviously these guys demand some respect, so we’ll give them that with our work and preparation. I think we’ll get to the point on Saturday where they’re going to be excited to play in this game.

“There’s some good players on the other side, and the atmosphere at our place, counting on it being packed and full of energy. They’re going to be excited to play.”

The atmosphere for Saturday night is expected to be one of the key factors. It’s Michigan State’s first big night game under the new Smith regime, and fans are excited — especially considering Ohio State coming to town.

Smith sees it as a big opportunity to make a statement.

“I know it means a ton,” Smith said about Saturday night’s game. “I just think about the recruiting side. We want to be in [Ohio] recruiting, so playing the flagship program in the state, that means something. I haven’t been in the league, but you know this logo, this brand of football. It’s a big-time opponent.”

Ohio State will need to be ready. Because Jonathan Smith has the Spartans playing decent football, and they’ve been tested more than the 3-0 Buckeyes.

Ohio State/Iowa set for 3:30 kickoff on Oct. 5

Ohio State will open Big Ten play this weekend at Michigan State in primetime after destroying three straight nonconference opponents.

But when the Buckeyes return home for the Big Ten home opener, they’ll face Iowa in an afternoon CBS slot. Yes, Ohio State and Iowa now have an official kickoff time: they’ll meet in the Horseshoe at 3:30 on CBS with Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson on the call.

It’ll be the Buckeyes’ second appearance on CBS so far this season; they opened the year in that time slot and on that network against Akron. The Hawkeyes will also make their second appearance on CBS this season; they lost to Iowa State in that time slot during Week 2 of the college football season.

Ohio State is expected to be 4-0 entering the showdown against the Hawkeyes — as long as it gets past Michigan State on the road this week. Iowa has this upcoming weekend off after going on the road and beating Minnesota by three scores in a rivalry game. The Hawkeyes are much better this season after having embarrassing offensive play in each of the last few years.

ICYMI: Buckeyes reveal players of game from win over Marshall

Ohio State wrapped up nonconference way in dominant fashion by rushing for 280 yards. Nearly all of that rushing total came from the co-offensive players of the game.

Yes, the Buckeyes revealed Sunday the players of the game from their 49-14 win over Marshall on Saturday. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, the incredible pair of tailbacks, split offensive honors. Judkins led the way with 14 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yard score, while Henderson had 76 yards and two scores of his own on just six carries. They certainly earned the player of the game award.

No Buckeyes were named player of the game on the defensive side. The Buckeyes program didn’t announce one, at least.

As for special teams, senior cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. earned player of the game honors in that phase for the second straight game. He had a pair of tackles on special teams for Ohio State.

Counting down

Buckeyes at Michigan State: 4 days
Ohio State at Oregon: 18 days
Ohio State at Penn State: 39 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 67 days

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