Before the start of the 2016 season, the Ohio State-Michigan State matchup was one of the most highly anticipated games across the country. The Buckeyes were shooting for revenge after the Spartans derailed their playoff run a year ago, and MSU head coach Mark Dantonio would get another opportunity to validate the strong program he had built in East Lansing.
A surprisingly disastrous season for Michigan State (3-7) has spoiled the national intrigue in this game, however. After winning their first two games, including what looked like a marquee victory over Notre Dame that launched them into the Associated Press Top 10, the Spartans dropped seven straight games before pasting Big Ten doormat Rutgers last week.