For the first time in the history of the National Club Football Association, the only two Big Ten schools in the league will play a game in Columbus.
No. 6 Michigan State, fresh off of a 28-9 win over Wright State last week, is set to visit Ohio State for the first time in program history. The two teams met in the Spartans inaugural season of 2015, a 45-0 win in favor of Michigan State.
The Buckeyes are coming off of a 51-20 victory over Toledo, a game that saw Ohio State compile 466 yards of total offense and collect seven turnovers defensively. Through the first week of the season, the Buckeyes lead the league in total offense and have the top two rushers and receivers amongst teams that have submitted stats to the NCFA.
Quarterbacks Kellyn Gerenstein and Spencer Moore combined to throw for 188 yards and four touchdowns against the Rockets, while wide receivers Casey Scroggins and Abdou Keita accounted for 181 of Ohio State’s receiving yards. Through one week, Scroggins leads the league in touchdown receptions and interceptions (three each) while Keita leads the league in receiving yards with an even 100.
On the ground, running back Johnathan Thiele leads the NCFA with 132 yards on 19 carries after a stellar week one performance that earned him offensive player of the week honors for the Buckeyes. Jalen Haley, the reigning NCFA rushing leader from 2021, needs just 102 yards to break 1,000 for his career after tallying 57 yards a week ago.
Defensively, the Buckeyes are led by Scroggins, who was named the NCFA’s Defensive Player of the Week after collecting five tackles and three interceptions against the Rockets. Linebacker Lance Wickham leads the Ohio State defense with 11 total tackles, putting together an outstanding week one performance.
The Spartans are led by quarterback Jack Donovan and wide receiver Sam Volk. Volk finished the 2021 season fifth in the NCFA in receiving yards with 501 and Donovan accounted for multiple scores in Michigan State’s week one victory over Wright State. Defensively, they are led by defensive ends Andrew Campbell and Ahmad Kareem, while also boasting impressive cornerback play.
Kickoff is set for Noon at Lincoln Tower Park. Fans in attendance are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, as there is no formal seating. For those who cannot attend, the game will be live-streamed on CampusNation.com.
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