Indiana Football versus Michigan State: Know your opponent

Indiana Football vs. Michigan State: Know your opponent

Boom or bust receivers

Michigan State boasts two receivers with the potential to dominate a game or do absolutely nothing. Freshman Ricky White had a phenomenal game against Michigan, catching eight balls for 196 yards and a touchdown. However, White’s combined stats in the other two games this season are two receptions for 27 yards.

The Spartans also have Jayden Reed, a transfer from Western Michigan who lit up the Rutgers secondary in week one. Reed had 11 receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns in that game. In the past two weeks, however, he has caught two passes for 25 total yards.

Indiana will need to make sure they don’t let these receivers get into a rhythm as they have at different points this year. Iowa was able to shut down virtually every Michigan State receiver, so the Hoosiers will have the blueprint to look at in preparation for this week.

Turnovers

If you give them the chance, the Spartans will more than adequately beat themselves. They average 3.3 turnovers per game, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Muffed punts, throws to no one, weak ball-security, you name it.

The Indiana defense must be licking their chops watching film of their opponent this week. The Hoosiers have forced 2.7 turnovers per game, tied for second-most in the Big Ten.

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Hoosiers. They just need to take care of this game before looking ahead to Ohio State.