Grading Michigan State's loss to Ohio State - MLive.com

Ohio State running back Master Teague plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State’s offense was one of the best in the nation through five games.

Michigan State’s defense, meanwhile, picked up where it left off after an impressive season last year.

In a matchup between strengths, the first round went to the Spartans, who clamped down on the Buckeyes in the first quarter. However, the success didn’t last.

No. 4 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) posted 24 second-quarter points and pulled away for a 34-10 win against No. 25 Michigan State (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) on Saturday night in Columbus.

Here are snap-judgment grades for the Spartans following the loss:

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Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke drops back to pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Quarterback

Brian Lewerke finished 20-for-38 passing for 218 yards, one touchdown and an interception – just his second pick of the season. The fifth-year senior completed some tough throws and executed while buying time. He also had missed passes, including an overthrow on what should have been a touchdown pass to Cody White in the second quarter. There were also multiple drops and the Buckeyes brought pressure in the second half. Even if Lewerke played a perfect game, it wouldn't have been enough. Grade: B-

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Michigan State running back Elijah Collins, left, fumbles the ball in front of Ohio State defensive end Chase Young during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Running backs

Elijah Collins had 12 carries for 63 yards and averaged 5.3 yard per carry. However, 23 of those yards were on one run and the Spartans finished with only 27 rushes – their fewest of the season. Collins also fumbled a short option toss from Lewerke in the first quarter, although both probably shared the blame for that. Anthony Williams Jr. had three carries for two years and La'Darius Jefferson one for zero. Grade: C

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Ohio State defensive back Cameron Brown, left, tackles Michigan State receiver Cody White during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 34-10. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Receivers/tight ends

Darrell Stewart Jr. led the Spartans with six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown but also had multiple drops. White had four receptions for 42 yards but also fumbled on the opening possession of the game. Tight ends Trenton Gillison and Matt Seybert combined for five catches for 71 yards. Grade: C-

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Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison, left, picks a fumble from Michigan State receiver Cody White during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Offensive line

Michigan State, which continues to be shorthanded up front, went with the same five all game in left tackle Tyler Higby, left guard Luke Campbell, center Matt Allen, right guard Matt Carrick and right tackle Jordan Reid. That group was decent for the most part before the Buckeyes increased their pressure in the second half. Higby and Reid were both beat off the edge for sacks on the same series in the third quarter. Grade: C

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Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, front, is sacked by Michigan State defenders Michael Dowell, left, Josiah Scott, center, Kenny Willekes during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Defensive line

Michigan State's front four was highly effective in the first quarter, stuffing the run, getting pressure on quarterback Justin Fields, helping to force three consecutive three-and-outs and limiting Ohio State to just 16 yards on 16 plays. Then the second quarter happened and the Buckeyes got free for big gains, including running back J.K. Dobbins, who finished with 24 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown. Defensive tackle Raequan Williams posted a career-high eight tackles, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk had seven tackles, including 3.5 for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble, while defensive end Kenny Willekes had seven stops and defensive end Jacub Panasiuk three before he was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after being injured. There were a few standout individual performances, but Ohio State's 323 yards of rushing represents the second-highest total allowed during coach Mark Dantonio's 13 seasons leading the program. Grade: C

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Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, left, escapes the grasp of Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Linebackers

Fields used his speed to get around the edge and past Michigan State's linebackers and that group also had missed tackles. Bachie finished with 11 tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks, but also had a missed tackle and said he had the wrong fit on Dobbins' 67-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Antjuan Simmons had seven stops and Tyriq Thompson four. Grade: C-

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Michigan State defensive back Josiah Scott, center, runs the ball after an interception against Ohio State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 34-10. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Defensive backs

A coverage breakdown led to Ohio State's first touchdown and Michigan State's secondary had multiple missed tackles. Cornerback Josiah Scott led the team with a career-high 12 tackles and had an interception, strong safety Xavier Henderson had five stops and a pass break-up and free safety David Dowell had three tackles and a dropped interception. Cornerback Kalon Gervin got the start over Josh Butler for the first time. Grade: C-

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Ohio State kicker Blake Haubeil plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Special teams

Michigan State didn't have a single return, electing to fair catch the kickoffs that didn't go into the end zone. Punter Jake Hartbarger was solid and averaged 46.9 yards on seven attempts with four downed inside the 20-yard line. Kicker Matt Coghlin's struggles continued as he finished 1-for-2 on field goals with a make from 39 yards out and a miss from 27 as the Spartans allowed pressure. After starting the season 7-for-7, he has made just four of his last 10 attempts. Grade: C

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Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio shout to a player during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Ohio State on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Coaching

Two years ago, Ohio State throttled Michigan State 48-3 in a game that was over midway through the second quarter in Columbus. This didn't have the same feel, but the outcome never seemed in doubt in the second half. That was due partially to the explosive plays the Buckeyes generated and the Spartans' inability to capitalize on their offensive chances. It was a game Dantonio said his team needed to play perfect to win and they were far from it with a slew of physical and mental errors. They continue to happen and, now halfway through the regular season, the coaches have to shoulder blame for that as well. Grade: C-

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Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, right, celebrates an Ohio State touchdown against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Overall

For a 34-10 loss, the grades seem generous, but require context. Ohio State has a top-10 offense and defense, the potential to win a national championship and, quite frankly, more talent than the Spartans. Michigan State, meanwhile, looks like a middle-of-the-pack team in the Big Ten. The Spartans held their own for a while and didn't get embarrassed in a night game in Columbus, like plenty of other teams would. That's not a moral victory, just what appears to be the reality at this point. Grade: C-

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