Football, like many other sports, eventually comes down to the one on one match-ups between players. At some point during the season, every team plays at least one game where the opponent has as much talent as your team. Michigan State has definitely been that team for Ohio State over the last few seasons.  Below is a brief look at one of Michigan State's best players, Malik McDowell.

You may remember Malik McDowell as the number one rated high school player in the State of Michigan and the number 32 overall player nationally, according to 247Sports composite rankings, for the 2014 recruiting class.  The 6'6" and 290lb. defensive lineman wanted to sign with the Spartans but his mother wanted him to sign elsewhere, including Ohio State, Michigan and Florida. It took nearly two months after the initial signing day in February, but Malik's parent's eventually relented and he faxed his letter of intent to the Spartans in April of 2014.

Fast forward to today and Malik is rated as the top draft eligible DT, and a potential first round pick for the 2017 NFL draft by CBS Sports. He is big, strong and fast and he has long arms which help him keep blockers away from his body.  In a few short weeks he will be taking his stance, mostly as a one-technique tackle, across from our beloved Buckeyes.  If you are uncertain what a one-technique tackle is, perhaps this will help.  Malik, wearing his #4 jersey, will play most snaps aligned between Ohio State's center Pat Elflein and either one of Ohio State's two starting guards, Billy Price or Michael Jordan, depending on Ohio State's formation.

Here is a quick look at what the Buckeye offensive linemen will face. The clip below shows a defensive line stunt against Notre Dame, but it gives you a good look at the athleticism, quickness, power and strength of McDowell.

Most of the centers that Malik will play against this year may be a physical mismatch since he is so quick, big and tall (6'6" and 290lbs.) According to CBS Sports, the top 10 rated centers for the 2017 NFL draft have an average height and weight of approximately 6'3" and 290lbs. Hence, McDowell will have about a three inch height advantage (and almost assuredly a leverage advantage with his long arms) over most centers.

And just in case you were wondering, Pat Elflein, Ohio State's starting center, is listed at 6'2" and 300lbs. But what is so intriguing to me, about the possible match-up between McDowell and Elflein, is that Elflein is rated by CBS Sports as the top draft eligible center and a possible second round pick in the upcoming 2017 NFL draft. How awesome is that? Talent vs. Talent.  It will surely be a clash of the titans.

Here is a look at how McDowell treats opposing offensive guards.  He is aligned over the offensive right guard. While watching, notice the Notre Dame guard is having a difficult time putting his hands on McDowell (and executing an effective block) due to the long arm length of the DT. McDowell doesn't get all the way to the QB, but I would think the Notre Dame guard is going to remember this play for a while.  

For the Buckeyes, the starting right guard is Billy Price who measures 6'3" and 315lbs. and the starting left guard is the 6'7" and 310lb. true freshman, Michael Jordan.  

From a trench warfare standpoint, Price is rated by CBS Sports as the number two guard for the upcoming 2017 draft and possible second round pick. While Jordan is the only true freshman offensive lineman to start the opening game for the Buckeyes since Orlando Pace did so in 1993. Jordan is a little taller and about 20lbs. heavier than McDowell.  

Talent vs. Talent. 

Overall, it should be a great battle to witness (safely from the confines of my couch.) 

I would think NFL scouts will devour the game film and fortunes may be gained or lost by the winners and the losers.

I will leave you with one last look at how McDowell rushes the passer and uses a quick swim technique to beat the center and disrupt the throw of the QB.