Keys for Indiana’s Defense to Grab the Old Brass Spittoon from East Lansing

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Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

For the first time since 1969, the Indiana Hoosiers take the field ranked a top 10 team in the nation on Saturday. Tom Allen and the No. 10 Hoosiers will be on their way to East Lansing where they hope to continue their streak to 4-0. Here’s what IU defense needs to do to get the Old Brass Spittoon back to Bloomington. 

Continue to Take Away 

Takeaways have been key in all three of Indiana’s wins so far this season. Two interceptions, one each by Jaylin Williams and Devon ‘Monster’ Matthews, sealed the deal for Indiana to break the 24-game losing streak with Michigan. Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi has thrown five interceptions this season, and hasn’t proven to throw well under pressure. IU needs to be hot and ready to gain some yards and points on interceptions.. 

Continue the Hot Starts

There was no better start that could have been played than the three-and-out the Hoosiers caused to set the tone last Saturday against Michigan. They caused a total of 4 three-and-outs and Harbaugh and the Wolverines got more embarrassed with each shutout. Michigan State’s confidence took a hit when they were clobbered by Iowa 49-7, and any gains they can get on a top 10 team will be a huge boost for them. The juice Kane Wommack gave IU’s defense before the Michigan game needs to make its way to East Lansing. 

Force Lombardi to Pass

Mel Tucker and Michigan State have struggled to establish the running game. Their top running back, Jordon Simmons, averages 3.6 yards per carry, and his best game was 14 runs for 55 yards against Michigan. Running back number two, Connor Heyward has 23 rushes for 56 yards in three games. Michigan’s rush was more of a threat, and IU held them to 13 rushing yards. If the defensive line shows up like they did last Saturday, they’ll be in good shape. 

Know Their Strength

Michigan State’s receivers are the strength to their offense, Ricky White, Jalen Nailor and Jayden Reed. Nailor completed at 57-yard pass at Iowa, and had a 119-yard game on four catches. Nailor caught a 52-yarder at Michigan and a 30-yard pass against Rutgers. White had a monster game at Michigan, with 8 catches for 196 yards, a long of 50–quite a start for a freshman. Reed’s another MSU receiver with a 100+ yard game— he had 11 catches for 128 yards at Rutgers. The bottom line— MSU’s receiving corps aren’t lacking, and have proven they can surprise their opponents with big plays. IU’s secondary needs to scheme against that and do it legally and punch-free— they can’t afford giving free yards for penalties.

The Hoosiers have not had possession of the Old Brass Spittoon since 2016, when they also had possession of the Old Oaken Bucket. The odds are in IU’s favor to have both on Saturday, and without having to deal with Michigan State’s fans, they can make it happen if they do these things on defense and let Mike Penix do what he does best and take care of the rest.