By this point, you’ve likely seen the metrics regarding Michigan State’s defense. On paper, it is not an especially strong unit, ranking No. 111 in the country in total defense allowing over 444 yards per game. Now, you will look at them and say wait, the Spartans rank 20th in the nation in stopping the run, how could their defense possibly be that bad? Well, that is because their pass defense ranks dead last in FBS, allowing nearly 330 yards per game through the air.
To be fair to Mel Tucker’s team, and more specifically defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, Ohio State’s defense is not that much better.