Ohio State posted its third shutout win of the season and claimed its fourth straight conference title on Sunday in Ithaca, Mich. with a resounding 52-0 win over the previously unbeaten and top-ranked Michigan State Spartans.
The Buckeyes scored on four of their first five possessions, building a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Sophomore running back JR Burton opened the scoring with a 42 yard scamper on Ohio State’s first drive before adding a 10-yard score on the second drive. After quarterback Spencer Moore found tight end Jackson Rittman for a touchdown, sophomore running back Jack Laing found the end zone with an explosive 53-yard scoring run.
Ohio State took a 35-0 lead into halftime and tacked on 17 more in the second half to cruise to an impressive win.
Offensively, the Buckeyes put together their most balanced performance of the year. Moore completed 24-of-34 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns to one interception, while Ohio State’s offensive line paved the way for 239 yards on the ground. Burton finished with 75 yards on 11 carries while Laing finished with a season-high 140 yards on 13 carries. Burton also added 23 yards receiving on the afternoon.
Senior Abdou Keita caught eight passes for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns while freshman Zach Hayes hauled in six passes for 77 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown. Hayes also added an interception on defense.
Ohio State punted just twice and also added a 30-yard field goal from kicker David Rive, who was also perfect on extra points on the day, converting 7-of-7 attempts.
Defensively, Ohio State posted a third shutout in the same season for just the second time in program history, matching the mark set in 2016. Michigan State managed just 79 yards of total offense, while the Buckeyes collected four interceptions, four sacks and a whopping 13 tackles for loss.
Freshman defensive back Glorien Gough played his best game of the season, tallying five tackles, two pass breakups, two interceptions and a blocked punt. A third interception that was returned for a touchdown was wiped out due to a penalty. Freshman linebacker Tyler Beckman also excelled, posting a team-best nine total tackles, four for loss and a sack. Senior defensive back Marcellus McClellan also collected his first interception of the season.
On the season, Ohio State has outscored NCFA opponents by a combined tally of 235-9. The Buckeyes now await their opponent in the NCFA Playoffs in Toledo. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in the Glass Bowl.
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