IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Michigan State If...
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Written by Hoosier Huddle Staff
After every win the Indiana Hoosiers raise the Victory Flag high over Memorial Stadium. This week there is an added incentive for winning as the Old Brass Spittoon is on the line as well. Here are the things the Hoosiers will need to do to keep the Victory Flag flying and bring the Spittoon back to Bloomington.
1. Keep Kurtis Rourke Upright
On Thursday night Curt Cignetti announced that Kurtis Rourke will start for the Hoosiers after missing last week’s game due to a thumb injury. While the extent of the injury is largely unknown, his performance will depend on how well that thumb feels and how well he can grip the football. With that being said IU needs to keep the pocket clean for Rourke and limit the number of times the Spartans have chances to hit that right thumb. The Indiana offensive line has been spectacular in 2024 and last week’s performance was nearly a clean sheet as they did not allow a sack or tackle for loss and just one hit on the quarterback.
2. Put Pressure on Aiden Chiles
Aiden Chiles is a quarterback that loves to air out the football. However, with Michigan State’s poor pass protection lately it’ll be more difficult for Chiles to air out the ball if Indiana can put pressure on him. Mikail Kamara is one of the leaders in quarterback pressures in the nation, so if he can continue his dominance and hurry Chiles, it’ll be difficult for him to stay in the pocket. Plus, Aiden Chiles is tied for the most interceptions in the Big Ten (9) so rushing him will be the key for some major takeaways.
3. Continue Hot Starts
One of the most important factors for the Hoosiers is starting the game off hot. After eight games, they have yet to trail for a single moment and are the only team to not allow a point in the first quarter. If they can continue that streak and make sure to put up points early, it’ll most likely lead to another win for the Hoosiers.
4. Win the Battle in the Red Zone
This game could come down to who is more efficient in the red zone. IU has been deadly scoring touchdowns on 83-percent of their red zone chances and points on 93.6-percent of their trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Michigan State has not been as good, They rank last in the Big Ten with scoring on just 70-percent of their trips with only 12 touchdowns in 30 red zone trips. If IU can score seven while holding Michigan State to three, IU will recapture the Old Brass Spittoon.
5. Follow the Formula IU Has All Season
All season IU started fast and made their opponent submit in the second half by taking care of the football, being deadly in the red zone and punishing in the rushing attack. That is the formula to win Big Ten road games. Follow it and victory will come.