EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Justin Fields threw for 2 touchdowns and Haskell Garrett scored on an interception to carry No. three Ohio State to a simple 52-12 victory over Michigan State on Saturday.

The Buckeyes (5-0, 5-Zero Huge Ten, No. Four CFP) have been in a position to take the sphere after a coronavirus-related cancellation the earlier weekend. They have been with out coach Ryan Day and some different members of the employees. Ohio State additionally had an inventory of 23 unavailable gamers, however none of that appeared to faze the Buckeyes.

Fields additionally ran for 2 touchdowns, and the Buckeyes led 28-Zero at halftime. Now the large query is whether or not Ohio State’s regular-season finale in opposition to Michigan subsequent weekend might be performed. The Wolverines didn’t play this weekend for virus-related causes.

The priority for the Buckeyes is that they might fall wanting the six-game threshold to be eligible for the Huge Ten title recreation.

Michigan State (2-4, 2-4) was coming off a win over one other undefeated workforce — Northwestern — however the Spartans have been overmatched Saturday. Rocky Lombardi was shaken up and left the sport after being sacked within the second quarter, and by that point, the rout was already on.

It was 21-Zero when Michigan State was backed up close to its personal aim line. Lombardi’s move was tipped and intercepted in the long run zone by Garrett. The Ohio State defensive lineman has been in a position to play this season after being shot within the face whereas making an attempt to interrupt up an argument on a avenue close to campus in August.

Among the many gamers who missed the sport have been offensive linemen Thayer Munford, Josh Myers and Nicholas Petit-Frere. Linebacker Tuf Borland was additionally out.

Fields scored on two quick runs within the first half, sandwiched round a 28-yard landing move to Garrett Wilson. Fields additionally hustled down the sphere to throw a late block on Trey Sermon’s 64-yard landing run within the third quarter.

Payton Thorne accomplished his first 11 passes for Michigan State after relieving Lombardi, and he ran for a 20-yard landing within the third that made it 35-7.

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Fields threw a 41-yard TD move to Chris Olave within the fourth, and backup quarterback C.J. Stroud broke free for a 48-yard landing run.

THE TAKEAWAY

Ohio State: The Buckeyes made this win look straightforward after what was most likely a fairly demanding couple of weeks. Whether or not Ohio State performs for the Huge Ten title or not, this efficiency ought to solely assist the Buckeyes impress the playoff committee.

Michigan State: The Spartans did not take lots of the dangers you’ll count on from an enormous underdog. They punted on fourth-and-1 within the first quarter — and once more on fourth down in Ohio State territory early within the third. Thorne’s play was the one actual brilliant spot for Michigan State on this recreation.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

There isn’t any motive to count on Ohio State’s standing close to the highest to alter after this routine victory. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes have been simply 11 factors forward of Clemson for the No. three spot within the AP ballot.

UP NEXT

The Buckeyes are scheduled to play at Michigan, however at this level that recreation appears unsure. Michigan State wraps up the common season at Penn State.

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Comply with Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister

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