Michigan State’s recent struggles have been well-documented, and a 21-point road loss doesn’t exactly make for easy reading the next morning. But while the Spartans are still searching for consistency, things are looking even more uncertain in Columbus.
Ohio State, currently hovering around the NCAA Tournament bubble, just took a major hit. The Buckeyes will be without one of their key contributors, freshman guard John Mobley Jr., who’s been ruled out indefinitely with a hand injury. Mobley, averaging 15.1 points per game, has been a vital piece of Ohio State’s offensive puzzle - and losing him at this point in the season is a serious blow.
With games still looming against Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa, Purdue, and Indiana, this injury couldn’t come at a worse time. That’s a brutal stretch even with a full roster.
Without Mobley, the pressure now shifts squarely onto the shoulders of Bruce Thornton, who’s been outstanding this season. Thornton is averaging nearly 20 points per game and has emerged as one of the Big Ten’s premier guards.
But now, he’ll likely face even more defensive attention without his backcourt running mate to balance the load.
For Michigan State, this news is significant. The Spartans host Ohio State in East Lansing a week from Sunday, and if Mobley remains sidelined, that changes the complexion of the matchup. The Buckeyes still have talent - Devin Royal, a former Michigan State target, and Christoph Tilly both average double figures and can score in bunches - but the loss of Mobley makes the Buckeyes’ offense easier to scout and potentially easier to contain.
That said, this is far from a guaranteed win for the Spartans. Even without Mobley, Ohio State isn’t short on weapons.
Royal brings size and versatility, and Tilly can stretch the floor. And don’t overlook Puff Johnson, who has the experience and skill set to step into a larger role.
The real question is whether any of Ohio State’s other guards can help fill the scoring void. Outside of Thornton, no other backcourt player is averaging more than 3.9 points per game - that’s a steep drop-off.
Meanwhile, Michigan State has its own issues to sort through. Outside of the overtime win over then-No.
5 Illinois, the Spartans have been inconsistent and are still trying to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor. But in a season where every game matters, especially for bubble teams, facing a shorthanded Ohio State squad could be a critical opportunity.
Mobley’s absence doesn’t guarantee anything - the Spartans still need to execute. But if he’s not ready to go by next Sunday, Michigan State will be catching the Buckeyes at a vulnerable moment.