Week Four Match-up to Watch: Indiana's Run Defense vs. Michigan State's Struggling Running Attack

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James Head (6) and the IU defense have to continue to limit the MSU running game Image: Sammy Jacobs

James Head (6) and the IU defense have to continue to limit the MSU running game Image: Sammy Jacobs

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana heads into Big Ten season 3-0 and looking to make some noise early on as they take on the Michigan State Spartans in Bloomington Saturday night. There are a handful of potential match-ups to watch, but the most intriguing one is can IU keep Michigan State’s struggling rush attack grounded.

Both units are struggling statistically in the major rushing categories and something will have to give on Saturday. The Spartans rank 115th nationally with 114 rushing yards per game and tailback L.J. Scott, who some labeled a Heisman dark horse, has struggled mightily. He has just 103 yards on 30 carries and has not reached the end zone. Backup running back Connor Heyward has had more success in limited action with 64 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Quarterback Brian Lewerke, a dual threat option, has just 19 yards on 18 carries.

There are plenty of reasons why Michigan State’s rushing attack has faulted early in the season, but the offensive line may be the most glaring. Through two games the Spartan line has given up five sacks and eight tackles for loss.

On the other side, the Hoosiers have struggled to stop the run early in the season, despite having the top-ranked pass defense in the Big Ten, IU ranks just 95th in rushing yards allowed at 187.3 yards per game. Sure, some of that is because they played some games where the opponent had to run, but 95th is not good enough to win many Big Ten games. However, the Hoosiers do rank 30th in the nation in tackles for loss. The Hoosiers will need to do a better job on first downs and limiting the big rushing plays against the Spartans if they want to start 4-0. The Hoosier front is led by Reakwon Jones, who leads the team in tackles for loss with 3.5, and Allen Stallings (three TFLs). If IU can get Jerome Johnson and the interior line to plug up the middle, the Hoosiers should be just fine. The return of Gavin Everett should also bolster their production.

Something will have to give on Saturday night. Either the IU defense will stiffen and stuff the Spartans or Michigan State’s struggling running attack will get a boost and allow them to be multi-demensional.