Ohio State trying to avoid another upset against Spartans

No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 2 CFP) at Michigan State (3-7, 1-6), 12:01 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Ohio State by 22.

Series record: Ohio State leads 29-15.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Ohio State was denied a chance to play for Big Ten and national titles last season after the Buckeyes were upset at home by Michigan State. They'll try to avoid a repeat and stay firmly in those races this year.

KEY MATCHUP

Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett vs. the weather. When Michigan State pulled off the upset last season, both offenses struggled in windy, rainy conditions. That might be the best chance the Spartans have of slowing down the Buckeyes again, and the National Weather Service says high winds and rain are possible this weekend as well.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ohio State: H-B Curtis Samuel. The junior scored three touchdowns last weekend in a 62-3 win over Maryland. He entered this week as the only FBS player with at least 600 yards rushing and 600 yards receiving.

Michigan State: QB Tyler O'Connor. With Connor Cook injured last season, O'Connor stepped in and helped the Spartans to their big win over Ohio State. He's been the starter for most of this season, but Michigan State has struggled.

FACTS & FIGURES

Michigan State and Ohio State have split their last six meetings, and the road team has won every regular-season game since 2007, when Ohio State won at home. ... Spartans coach Mark Dantonio was a defensive coordinator for Ohio State's national championship team in 2002. ... Mike Weber needs 65 yards rushing to become the third Ohio State freshman to reach 1,000. Robert Smith (1990) and Maurice Clarett (2002) are the others. ... Michigan State has had a different starting lineup in every game this season on offense and defense.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org