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Michigan State Football: Indiana’s strength could play into Spartans’ favor

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Stevie Scott #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Stevie Scott #21 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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If there’s one thing Indiana does exceptionally well, it’s run the ball behind freshman Stevie Scott. That could work into Michigan State football’s favor.

The last time Michigan State traveled to Indiana, the Hoosiers took down the Spartans in overtime and knocked the green and white out of the rankings for good. They have a chance to do the same this time around as Michigan State is 1-1 and hanging on to the No. 24 ranking in the country by a thread.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 reasons to remain optimistic about 2018 outcome

When this game was glanced over on the schedule before the season, it looked to be an easy win for a talented Michigan State team, but the Hoosiers had a talented running back by the name of Morgan Ellison who could cause problems.

Then, Ellison was suspended indefinitely and it looked like the Spartans would have no trouble handling the Peyton Ramsey-led offense.

Not so fast (in my best Lee Corso voice).

Stevie Scott, a freshman running back, has been a star for the Hoosiers, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, accounting for 388 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries. He’s been an unexpected star for the 3-0 Hoosiers and the team is averaging 235 yards per game on the ground which is good for 29th in the country.

That may seem concerning, but that strength of the Hoosiers may play right into Michigan State’s hands.

In fact, Michigan State has one of the best run defenses in college football, ranking first in terms of yards allowed per game (34.5) and yards per carry allowed (1.3). Not only is this impressive, it’s shocking considering Eno Benjamin was considered a breakout candidate for Arizona State and couldn’t get anything going against MSU in Week 2 — Herm Edwards ended up abandoning the run.

Ramsey can throw the ball, but he’s not the strength of the offense, the run game is.

If Michigan State can continue this dominance and force the Hoosiers to rely solely on the pass, this game could play into the Spartans’ favor and it could get out of hand.

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It’ll be strength against strength on Saturday night in Bloomington and the Spartans are out for revenge from that road loss two years ago.

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