Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Carlos Hyde expected back as Big Ten schedule opens

Ohio State Buckeyes junior running back Carlos Hyde (sprained knee) is expected to play on Saturday against the Michigan State Spartans, according to head coach Urban Meyer, so the offense will likely get a boost as the Big Ten conference schedule begins. Meyer told the Columbus Dispatch on Wednesday that Hyde is cleared for action and that the RB will play on Saturday, which is good news for an offense that has struggled to produce through the air. The Buckeyes' passing attack has averaged just 197.8 yards per game (No. 99 overall in the FBS), while the rushing game is a top-25 unit that has churned out 229.3 yards per contest.

Hyde has rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries so far in 2012, but he has been limited by a knee injury that forced him to exit during the team's 31-16 win over UCF on Sept. 8. He has missed the last two games for OSU.

No. 14 Ohio State will take on No. 20 Michigan State on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) at Spartan Stadium.