IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Michigan State If…

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers will hit the turf at Memorial Stadium for the final time on Saturday in the battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. With a win IU will not only raise the Victory Flag, they will retain the Old Brass Spittoon for back-to-back matchups for the first time since 1969 when the Hoosiers won their third straight against the Spartans. Both teams enter the season with 3-7 (1-6) records so what will IU have to do to come out victorious.

1. Rebound in Pass Defense

The Hoosiers had nine pass breakups against Wisconsin and looked like they turned a corner defensively, but last week John Paddock and Illinois put up 507 passing yards. The Spartans will be starting Katin Houser who has played most of the season despite splitting time. MSU’s pass offense ranks ninth in the conference while Indiana’s pass defense is 11th in the Big Ten. The Spartans don’t have the receivers Illinois has, so Kobee Minor and company should have a good chance to bounce back.

2. Continue the Sorsby to McCulley Connection

Over the past three games quarterback Brendan Sorsby and receiver Donaven McCulley have found their connection. Since the Penn State game Sorsby has found McCulley 20 times for 300 yards and four touchdowns. In the loss against Rutgers McCulley was held catchless. If the Spartans decide to double team McCulley, Sorsby has been finding E.J. Williams and DeQuece Carter more often as well. Since Williams came back from injury against Rutgers that duo has combined for 18 catches, 317 yards and three touchdowns. IU has weapons in the passing game and it is finally starting to click.

3. Play for the Seniors and the Spittoon

The Hoosiers’ bowl hopes are a thing of the past, but that does not mean this game is meaningless. Any time the Hoosiers have a chance to win a Big Ten game, especially a trophy game, is important. IU can send Aaron Casey and the rest of the senior class out of Memorial Stadium with a win and the Spittoon. IU has to be more bought in than a Michigan State squad who has already fired Mel Tucker amid a sexting scandal and will be looking for a new staff next week.