Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Indiana in Week 8

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Demetrius Cooper #98 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates an incomplete pass by the Indiana Hoosiers that ended the Hoosiers final drive during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Defense may be Big Ten’s best

On paper, Michigan State officially has the Big Ten’s best defense. The Spartans allow about 262 total yards per game which is good for the No. 1 mark in the conference, just surpassing Michigan after the Wolverines allowed over 500 total yards to Penn State. Wisconsin is also close behind, allowing about 265 yards.

While we live in a world where people look at stats to make decisions, the Spartans have passed just about every eye test as well. Outside of one quarter against Minnesota, Michigan State has been fantastic defensively this season.

In fact, in Michigan State’s six wins, the Spartans have allowed more than 14 points just once — and that was against Minnesota where the Gophers had six points until the final 15 minutes. The defense stood tall against Indiana on Saturday, holding the Hoosiers to just 253 total yards and another opponent under 100 rushing yards.

Guys like Joe Bachie, Josiah Scott, Andrew Dowell, Chris Frey, David Dowell, Khari Willis and Justin Layne continue to stand out in the back-seven while the defensive line has exceeded expectations. Although the Spartans didn’t get much of a pass rush on Saturday, the defense continues to look legit and may be the conference’s best.

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