Indiana Football vs Michigan State: 3 bold predictions
By Alec Lasley
2. Indiana Defense Will Create Havoc In The Backfield
Yes, I know Indiana has been anything but a force on the defensive end, but a lot of that has to do with missed tackles – something I am not forgiving – but is correctable.
The Spartans allow something that Indiana actually does quite well; tackles for loss. Through four weeks, Michigan State is allowing five tackles for loss per game for 15 yards per play. The Hoosiers, who rank in the top-30 nationally in that category will make that a point of emphasis in Michigan State’s running game.
Something that will help Indiana in this regard? Michigan State’s injuries to its offensive line. If Indiana fans think they have it bad, it’s nowhere near as bad as the Spartans have it up front.
Coming into the season, Michigan State was already struggling with the injury bug as fifth year returning starter Cole Chewins expected to miss time, and up to this point the left tackle has yet to dress for any game this season.
Two other players on the left side of the line have since gone down as AJ Arcuri has been dealing with a “lower left leg injury” and missed the past two games, while Kevin Jarvis is still dealing with an injury he suffered in the Arizona State game two weeks ago.
Because of the depleted o-line, the defensive line of Indiana will look to take advantage of the injuries and add to its already 14 tackles for loss this year.
Indiana has made it a focal point to create more pressure in the backfield, and with the line that the Spartans may put out there, it wouldn’t shock me to see IU end the game on Saturday with close to 10 tackles for loss, including three sacks.