Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance against the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans, securing a resounding 56-7 victory at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game was effectively decided in the first half, as Ohio State surged to a 49-0 lead by halftime, setting a program record for the largest halftime margin against a top-10 opponent.

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud had a historic day, orchestrating an offensive masterpiece. He completed 32 of 35 passes for 432 yards and six touchdowns—all in the first half. Stroud’s near-flawless performance set multiple records, including an Ohio State single-game record for completion percentage (91.4%) with a minimum of 30 attempts. His six touchdown passes in the first half tied an Ohio State single-game record for most passing touchdowns in one half.

The Buckeyes’ receiving corps, led by Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, overwhelmed the Michigan State secondary. Olave caught seven passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing David Boston as Ohio State’s all-time leader in career touchdown receptions. Wilson added seven catches for 126 yards and two scores, while Smith-Njigba contributed 10 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Ohio State’s offensive line provided exceptional protection, allowing Stroud ample time to exploit Michigan State’s struggling pass defense, which entered the game ranked among the worst in the nation.

On the defensive side, the Buckeyes stifled Michigan State’s high-powered rushing attack, holding Heisman contender Kenneth Walker III to just 25 yards on six carries. The Spartans, who had relied heavily on Walker throughout the season, found little success on the ground and were forced into a one-dimensional passing attack.

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne struggled under pressure, finishing with 14 completions on 36 attempts for 158 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The lone Spartans’ touchdown came in the third quarter on a pass to Keon Coleman, but by that point, the outcome was already well beyond reach.

Key Takeaways & Records

• C.J. Stroud’s 91.4% completion rate was an Ohio State record for a game with at least 30 pass attempts.
• Chris Olave set the Ohio State career record for touchdown receptions (35).
• Ohio State’s 49-0 halftime lead was its largest ever against a top-10 team.
• The Buckeyes outgained the Spartans 655-224 in total yards.
• Michigan State’s seven points marked its lowest total of the season.

Playoff Implications

With the emphatic victory, Ohio State improved to 10-1 (8-0 Big Ten) and solidified its position in the College Football Playoff race. The dominant showing against a top-10 opponent set up a high-stakes rivalry showdown with Michigan the following week.