Old Brass Spittoon Game Matchup to Watch: IU's Micah McFadden and Cam Jones vs. Kenneth Walker and the Spartan Run Game

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers will welcome in the 10th ranked Michigan State Spartans for homecoming on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Spartans sit at 6-0, which is quite the turnaround from last season and much of that success is attributed to transfer running back Kenneth Walker III who finds himself on some Heisman Trophy watch lists.

Walker III leads the nation in rushing with 913 yards on 129 carries and nine touchdowns. He is an explosive back who can score from anywhere on the field. His first touch of the season went for a 75-yard touchdown. It will be the job of the Indiana linebackers Micah McFadden and Cam Jones to slow down the running game and is our “Matchup to Watch.”

Micah McFadden and Cam Jones vs. Kenneth Walker III

It is strength against strength in the Old Brass Spittoon Game on Saturday as Indiana’s linebackers try and slow down the nation’s leading rusher in Kennth Walker III. Micah McFadden and Cam Jones have been outstanding thus far in 2021 and anchor a defense that has been hung out to dry by the offensive. The two linebackers have combined for 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three forced fumbles.

Jones and McFadden cannot do it alone, though. They will need the IU defensive line to occupy the Michigan State defensive line so they can run free and make plays in space.

“[Kenneth Walker III], he's really good. Great balance. Great vision. Makes guys miss. Patient. Strong. Tough. Runs hard. He's right now the leading rusher in the Big Ten, tops in the country. [That is what] Makes them different [this season] with a similar scheme in some ways.” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said. "But the guy carrying the ball makes a big difference. They have other guys as well that carry the football, but he sticks out, without question, for all those reasons I just said. He makes them really special. And they are big up front. They're strong up front. The offensive line is playing well, and they play together. They have a good complementary system and play-action off of that.”

The Hoosiers will have to be sound in their tackling or else Walker III will find the end zone from anywhere at any time.

“We have to gang tackle them. The challenge with that is you gang tackle and then they play-action off of that. We have to be very disciplined with your eyes and read your keys. Fit your gaps. Make them miss.” Allen added.