Matchup to Watch: IU’s Defensive Front vs. Aidan Chiles and the Passing Game

Written by: TJ Inman 

The Indiana Hoosiers did not get their usual offensive explosion against the Washington Huskies. UW surprised the Hoosiers with some different defensive concepts than they had previously shown and backup quarterback Tayven Jackson struggled to get into any kind of rhythm. Indiana’s defense got an early pick-six and had multiple big stops and Curt Cignetti and Mike Shanahan turned to the running game to grind out a comfortable 31-17 win in front of a jubilant crowd at sold-out Memorial Stadium.

The Hoosiers now hit the road for a stern test at Michigan State in the battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s status is unknown but even if he is able to play, the offense returning to scoring in the high 40s without missing a beat is an optimistic assumption. Indiana’s defense will be asked to step up again to get a win in East Lansing.

The Michigan State Spartans are 4-4 after a narrow loss at Michigan. Quarterback Aidan Chiles is very talented but there have been a couple of issues that have plagued the Michigan State offense and they go hand-in-hand: interceptions (Chiles has thrown nine interceptions including 7 against power conference opponents) and pressure getting to the quarterback. The Spartans have allowed 18 sacks through seven games, only UCLA and Illinois have allowed more among Big Ten teams. Michigan State is 108th nationally in sack percentage, allowing a sack on 8.33% of drop-backs. Indiana has been able to ratchet up the pressure on opposing passers, amassing 24 sacks through eight games. Mikail Kamara leads the way with 7 and the Hoosiers have sacked opposing quarterbacks on 7.32% of drop-backs, good for 32nd in the country. Chiles has gotten better at taking care of the ball but the Spartans have not figured out how to protect him consistently. Michigan had three sacks, Iowa had two, Oregon had five and could have had another five if they could have finished pressures consistently. 

Indiana’s offense might rebound and get back to putting up big numbers on Saturday afternoon but if not, one of the best ways to help your offense is to disrupt drives with consistent pressure on the quarterback. If season trends hold, the Hoosiers should be able to beat Michigan State’s offensive line and cause some problems for Aidan Chiles and the passing game.