Ohio State LBs Jerome Baker, Dante Booker out vs. Spartans

— -- Ohio State starting linebackers Jerome Baker and Dante Booker will not play in Saturday's game against Michigan State?due to injury, the school announced just prior to kickoff.

Baker is the Buckeyes' second-leading tackler, with 44 tackles and two sacks in nine games this season. Booker has recorded 31 tackles and two sacks.

The Buckeyes and Spartans find themselves in a first-place tie in the Big Ten East, and Saturday's winner will have the upper hand with two conference games remaining.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.