Michigan State is all-in on the future sitting at a 3-7 record and no bowl game on the horizon, and that could not have been clearer on Tuesday during Mark Dantonio's availability to the media.

We'll count for you, seven freshmen (two offense, four defense and one special teams) are listed in starting roles for this weekend's contest against Ohio State.

Another notable depth chart note is the omission of Malik McDowell, who has been banged up throughout the year and missed the Rutgers game.

Should McDowell not play that would mean three freshmen (one redshirt, two true) and a true sophomore would be makeup the defensive line starters for Michigan State against a big offensive line for Ohio State who's average starter there weighs around 307 pounds. That offensive line has allowed Ohio State's skill players to be the 11th ranked total offense in the country with over 5,000 yards.

It will certainly be an uphill battle for the Spartans on Saturday, but Mark Dantonio remembers a similar year where Michigan State was out of it facing a top ranked Ohio State team.

If a similar upset were to occur it would be a huge positive in what's been a very negative season for Michigan State, it would also be a great way for the Michigan State's seniors (what few that are playing with all the young blood coming up) to end their home careers as Spartans.

Hear all the action when Michigan State and Ohio State kickoff at noon on Saturday on your home for Spartan sports, Lansing's Big Talker 1240 WJIM and Classic Rock 94.9 WMMQ.

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