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In-Depth Game Preview: Michigan State vs. Indiana Hoosiers

By Will Logan

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Zander ain’t worried bout nothin’

Am I the only one excited about Saturday’s game for the Spittoon? Talk about “no pressure.” The must-make-a-bowl cloud that had been hovering over fans, players and coaches has lifted. If Indiana doesn’t come up with three more wins, hardly anyone would blame anything other than a Lemony Snicket-like series of unfortunate events. If some swashbuckling 160 pound QB with no business being on a B1G field this year wants to lead the team to an improbable string of wins, I’m all aboard. If not, we’ll get back to business next year. Certainly no pressure against the team most likely to win the National Championship this week. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

What They’re Saying:

Keys to the Game:

1. Run it Anyways

Indiana is back to basics as far as throwing the ball is concerned, but still has one of the best running backs in the nation. Wilson has always been big on “balance” in the run and pass game, but that’s all out the window now. The question is: can the Hoosiers be one of those teams that is able to run the ball successfully even when the defense knows it’s coming?

This is not the best week to test the new model out. The Spartans have the nation’s fifth best run defense and are only giving up 2.88 yards per carry. Even more humbling to those expecting Coleman to save the day, the Spartans held Nebraska superstar Ameer Abdullah to just 45 yards and 1.9 yards per carry.

But wait a minute. Hold the phone.

The Spartan’s defensive numbers have been completely pedestrian on the road. In fact, Indiana’s defense has been better against the run than MSU has been in towns not named East Lansing. Now, you might be “pshing” these numbers away and assuming that most of the damage was done on the road against Oregon. Wrong. Shockingly, their worst game of the year was their last one against…Purdue? The Boilermakers were able to average 5.16 yards per carry and scored on three rushing touchdowns last week. That’s a Purdue rushing attack that’s ranked 60 spots below Indiana’s.

2. Protect the Goods

Michigan State gets after the QB. They’re first in the B1G and sixth nationally with a terrifying 22 sacks on the year. The unit is led by linebacker Ed Davis (5), preseason All-American defensive end Shilique Calhoun (4) and defensive lineman Marcus Rush (3.5). What a miserable matchup for an undersized, true-freshman making his first start.

The Hoosier offensive line has received considerable praise recently, and they are without a doubt vital to the Hoosier’s success on Saturday. We already talked about how important the run game will be, but they’ll also be tasked with protecting Diamont from a well-balanced pass rush.

Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) looks over the Nebraska Cornhuskers offense during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pressure Cook(er?)

MSU QB Connor Cook has had it easier than anyone else in the country this year. The three sacks allowed by his offensive line are the fewest in the country, and all three of those sacks came against Oregon. This much is clear: if Cook is given time, he and Tony Lippett (who is averaging over 20 yards a catch and 110.5 yards per game) will have career days against the Hoosier secondary. The Indiana defense has been at its best this year when they bring pressure anyways, so expect Knorr to go for broke on Saturday and bring the heat.

4. The Perfect Storm?

The biggest thing the Hoosiers may have going for them on Saturday may be Michigan State’s upcoming schedule. Really, the Hoosiers couldn’t have picked a better time to play the Spartans. In the two weeks after this, MSU plays in-state rival Michigan and then has a B1G showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s not unfathomable that they’d overlook an Indiana team that’s 0-2 in conference play and down to their third string QB. Add the additional excitement that comes along with homecoming and having a game broadcast on ESPN, and things could get interesting. Finally, Michigan State has been awful in the fourth quarter this year. They haven’t scored a point in the fourth in B1G play and allowed both Nebraska and Purdue to mount big comebacks. Both of those games required clutch MSU interceptions in order to prevent opponents from completing their respective comebacks. Overlooking an opponent on the road during their homecoming with a knack for playing poorly in the fourth quarter…

…I’m just sayin’.

Nonessential Knowledge:

  • Jack Allen, MSU’s preseason All-American center, is listed as day-to-day for Saturday’s game with an ankle injury.
  • Saturday will be Mark Dantonio’s 100th game as MSU’s head coach
  • Tevin Coleman was recruited by MSU to play defensive back. Extra motivation?

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