Week 3 rival watch: MSU climbs to 3-0, OSU now 19.5-point favorite vs UM

Elijah Kaye | Sep 16, 2024

The Wolverines reclaimed the Paul Bunyan Trophy after their 29-7 win over the Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor. Msumich 102922 Kd 0017251 / Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Michigan Wolverines improved to 2-1 over the weekend, defeating Arkansas State by a score of 28-18. With the nonconference schedule now in the rearview mirror, the Wolverines turn their attention to No. 11 USC for a big time matchup in the Big House this weekend. But keeping an eye on Michigan's top rivals within the conference, the Spartans and the Buckeyes are now a combined 5-0 after three weeks. Michigan State (3-0) took on an FCS opponent at home and Ohio State (2-0) had an early BYE in Week 3.

Michigan State

The Spartans shut out Prairie View A&M 40-0 and have a 3-0 record for the first time since 2021. Aidan Chiles threw a touchdown and ran for one in what was his first game this season without throwing an interception. Running back Nate Carter racked up 91 yards and went 60 yards to the house in the second quarter to put the Spartans up 21-0. With the Panthers knocking on the door right before the half, defensive back Charles Brantley ran an interception back 100 yards, eliminating any threat of a momentum shift in favor of Prairie View A&M. MSU allowed only 17 rushing yards and outgained the Panthers 458 yards to 140. Michigan State will play its second road game next week against Boston College at 8 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.

Michigan State's Nathan Carter runs for a gain against Prairie View A&M during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State

The Buckeyes have jumped out to 19.5-point favorites against Michigan after the first three weeks of the season. Last week, Ohio State was a 17.5-point favorite, but the line has increased by two points after a somewhat underwhelming performance from Michigan against Arkansas State. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been electric thus far with 211 yards and 3 touchdowns on 11 receptions through Ohio State's first two games. OSU has outscored its first two opponents 108-6, albeit against Akron and Western Michigan. Regardless, the Buckeyes have been dominant on both sides of the ball and may be too much for the Wolverines this year who still have serious quarterback concerns and defensive issues to solve. Ohio State hosts Marshall next Saturday at noon on FOX.

Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) and quarterback Will Howard (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images / Adam Cairns-Imagn Images

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

• Aidan Hutchinson sets Detroit Lions franchise record

• Kalel Mullings, Donovan Edwards carry Michigan offense in win over Arkansas State

• Sherrone Moore updates Michigan's quarterback status following Arkansas State win