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Michigan State football looking to avoid repeat of 2016 vs. Indiana

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 1: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball as Dameon Willis Jr. #43 of the Indiana Hoosiers makes the tackle at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana defeated Michigan State 24-21. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 1: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball as Dameon Willis Jr. #43 of the Indiana Hoosiers makes the tackle at Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana defeated Michigan State 24-21. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football is hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2016 season’s matchup as the Spartans travel to Bloomington in Week 4.

Just two short years ago, Indiana was setting up to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime to upset No. 17 Michigan State in Bloomington. The night atmosphere wasn’t exactly “electric”, but it was enough to make a difference as the Spartans were dropped and fell from the AP Top 25 for good.

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Fast forward two seasons and the teams are in similar positions. Indiana is looking better than expected and Michigan State is down after a loss, but the Hoosiers have a chance to, once again, knock the Spartans from the rankings with a win.

Indiana has a competent quarterback by the name of Peyton Ramsey but an even stronger run game, led by freshman Stevie Scott who is replacing Morgan Ellison who has been indefinitely suspended. The Hoosiers are 3-0 with wins over FIU, Virginia and Ball State, so the Spartans clearly present the toughest matchup.

The Hoosiers’ defense has been good, allowing just 327 yards per game, but, again, they have yet to face a true offensive threat. Brian Lewerke is easily the best quarterback they have faced and the MSU receivers could give this secondary trouble.

Michigan State, on the other hand, has been torched by quarterbacks’ short passes in the first two games of the year, but that could change against the Hoosiers in Week 4. This secondary has plenty of talent, but has been allowing a staggering 349.5 yards per game through the air. Something’s got to change.

Here’s how you can watch Michigan State vs. Indiana in Week 4:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Bloomington, Ind.
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

For Michigan State to come out on top, Dave Warner and Mark Dantonio need to open up the playbook. No more conservative play-calling, it’s time to pull out all the tricks and let Lewerke air it out. That’s not saying it’s time to veer away from LJ Scott and the run game, but sometimes you have to pass to open up the run — yes, it’s often done in reverse these days. No more run on first, run on second and pass on third-and-long.

Defensively, stepping up against the short routes and shutting them down could doom the Hoosiers. Ramsey hasn’t proved to be a strong long-ball passer, so if Michigan State can cut off the quick slants, outs and screens, it will be in good shape because the run defense will do its job like always.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of OddsShark

Line: Michigan State -5
Over/Under: 48

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Prediction

I just think Michigan State will turn it around in time to take this one over the Hoosiers. While I believe Indiana is a solid bowl team, the Spartans will come out with the right intensity and control the game from start to finish. Defending those short passes will pay off and the offense will open up the playbook and let Lewerke have the type of game that he needed to open Big Ten play. Oh yeah, and, if healthy, Scott will finally reach 100 yards.

Final Score: Michigan State 31, Indiana 20

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