Week 2 rival watch: MSU and OSU improve to 2-0

Elijah Kaye | Sep 8, 2024

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) makes a catch against Michigan defensive back Quinten Johnson (28) and defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. / Junfu Han/USA Today / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan State went on the road for its Big Ten opener while Ohio State hosted a school from the MAC for the second week in a row. Here is how the Spartans and Buckeyes improved to 2-0 in Week 2.

Michigan State

MSU was faced with an early Big Ten test away from home in College Park (MD) and the Spartans escaped with a 27-24 win. Aidan Chiles tossed three touchdowns and three interceptions in the victory. Maryland tied things up at 17 in the third quarter and took the lead after a 28-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. Minutes later, Glendon Miller picked off Aidan Chiles for the second time and their next time out, the Terrapin defense forced a three-and-out.

Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

One of the most crucial decisions of the game for head coach Mike Locksley came with under five minutes to play. Leading 24-17, Maryland was on the MSU 23 yard line and Locksley decided to kick a field goal rather than going for it on 4th and 1. The attempt failed and MSU took over. Freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh hauled in a 77-yard touchdown reception on the first play of the drive, tying the game with 4:11 left. Maryland went three-and-out and the Spartans put together a 13-play drive to set up Jonathan Kim with the potential game-winner. The sixth-year kicker drilled a 37 yarder with one second left to stun the Terrapins. Michigan State will host Prairie View A&M next week at 3:30 p.m. on BTN.

Ohio State

Ohio State had no problems with Western Michigan, shutting out the Broncos 56-0. The Buckeye defense was overwhelming, holding WMU to 6 first downs, 0.9 yards per rush and 99 total yards. OSU cornerback Denzel Burke was ejected for targeting in the opening quarter. Will Howard found Jeremiah Smith for a 70-yard touchdown in the first quarter and Howard rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter. Ole Miss transfer running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for a pair of 23-yard scores in the first half and the Buckeyes sat comfortably up 35-0 at the break. It was smooth sailing the rest of the way for Ohio State who cruised to victory at home. The Buckeyes will take on Marshall next week in Columbus. The game time and network is to be determined.

Sept. 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) is pursued by Western Michigan Broncos cornerback Aaron Wofford (5) during the first half of an NCAA Division I football game on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

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