GAME NOTES: The Ohio State Buckeyes have claimed the top spot in the AP poll, and they will attempt to avoid an upset in this weekend's Big Ten clash with the Michigan State Spartans. After opening the season with four straight wins, Michigan State suffered back-to-back defeats. Fortunately, the club was able to get back on track last weekend with a 52-27 romp over Indiana. The Spartans are now 1-2 in league play, and they are clearly underdogs in this weekend's bout. Ohio State is a perfect 7-0 and tops the BCS standings. The Buckeyes have won all seven of their games by 16 or more points, and they are coming off a 48-3 victory over Kent State. The remaining schedule figures to be challenging, with five tough Big Ten foes remaining, but the Buckeyes figure to be a favorite in every contest. Ohio State holds a commanding 25-12 series lead over Michigan State, including five straight wins over the Spartans.

Michigan State is scoring 36.9 ppg while gaining 467.0 total ypg, as the offense has been able to move the ball effectively for much of this season. Even in the two losses to Wisconsin and Northwestern, the Spartans scored 34 and 41 points, respectively. The ground attack has been outstanding, chewing up 242.7 ypg while averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Javon Ringer has rushed for 932 yards and six touchdowns while gaining 7.1 ypc. As for big Jehu Caulcrick, the club's power back, he has already rushed for 13 touchdowns. Brian Hover has taken almost every snap at the quarterback position, and he has completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 1,476 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. His top receiver has been Devin Thomas, who has made 38 receptions for 690 yards and five touchdowns. Thomas was outstanding in the win over Indiana last week, as he made 13 grabs for 148 yards and a score. Hover was tremendously efficient, completing 20-of-23 passes for 190 yards. As for the ground attack, Ringer finished with 203 yards and two touchdowns on 29 totes, while Caulcrick carried 23 times for 94 yards and three scores.

Opponents are scoring 24.9 ppg against Michigan State while gaining 332.6 total ypg. Stopping the run has been a strength of the defense, as the unit is limiting foes to 101.4 ypg on 3.0 ypc. The pass defense has not been quite as strong, as there have been some big plays made through the air against the Spartans. With 29 sacks, there is no question that Michigan State has been one of the best team's in the nation at pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Jonal Saint-Dic leads the squad with eight sacks. Last weekend, the Spartans allowed only 22 rushing yards on 17 attempts by the Hoosiers. In all, Michigan State permitted a mere 193 yards in the contest.

Ohio State lost a number of skill position players to graduation and the NFL Draft following last season, so many wondered how effective the Buckeyes would be on offense this time around. Considering that the club is averaging 35.7 ppg and 414.0 total ypg, it appears that the questions have been answered in resounding fashion. Taking the place of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith, junior Todd Boeckman has completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,353 yards and 16 touchdowns against six interceptions. His favorite receiver has been Brian Robiskie, who has made 35 grabs for 636 yards and six scores. The ground attack is spearheaded by Chris Wells, who has rushed for 642 yards and six touchdowns. In the romp over Kent State, Wells only carried the ball four times, but he did score a touchdown. Brandon Saine ran for 69 yards and added 76 receiving yards to lead the club in both categories. Boeckman completed 13- of-16 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

The Buckeyes have been arguably the most dominant defensive football team in the nation thus far, limiting opponents to 6.6 ppg and 211.9 total ypg. They are yielding a miniscule 62.9 rushing ypg on 2.1 ypc, and they are surrendering just 8.2 yards per pass completion. As expected, linebacker James Laurinaitis leads Ohio State with 52 tackles, and he has posted three sacks to go along with a pair of interceptions. Big Vernon Gholston is tops with five sacks. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on an interception return and a punt return in the blowout victory over Kent State last week. The only points scored by the Golden Flashes came with 2:36 remaining in the fourth quarter on a field goal. Kent State finished with 223 yards, including only 62 through the air.

Ohio State may be tested a bit by this Michigan State team, as the power running attack and smart quarterback play will keep things close for the Spartans. Still, it is tough to pick against the nation's top-ranked team at home.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Ohio State 34, Michigan State 20