Michigan State football: 3 takeaways from last-minute win at Indiana

Nov 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Katin Houser (12) throws a pass during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Katin Houser (12) throws a pass during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Michigan State football gave up the go-ahead touchdown in the final five minutes, it felt like the game was over. But much like Indiana last year in East Lansing, the Spartans didn’t give up and then engineered a late comeback.

Also like last year, the game was essentially decided on a missed field goal.

The Spartans picked up a 24-21 win over Indiana to improve to 4-7 on the season, setting up an interesting matchup in Detroit for Black Friday as Penn State comes to town.

What’d we learn from this win?

3. This team can’t catch a break with injuries

Injuries continue to pile up. Harlon Barnett revealed after the game that the Spartans had just under 50 scholarship players available for this game and they still managed to find a way to win.

But it was another game filled with injuries despite already being short-handed.

Michigan State lost Nick Samac and Brandon Wright to what looked like serious injuries while Simeon Barrow, Nate Carter, and Derrick Harmon all left the game as well. Fortunately, Harmon and Barrow returned, but Carter’s injury looked to be more serious.

This team has become a mash unit, but hopefully there will be more guys available next week.