What Worked and What Didn't in the Win Over Michigan State

Written by Andrew Walker

Indiana may have pulled off their most impressive win of the season on Saturday in snowy East Lansing, Michigan. When the snow started to fall, the Hoosiers started to work. From snapping a seven-game losing streak, to perhaps seeing some light at the end of the QB room, this game was all about learning where this program was headed. Let’s take a look at what worked and what didn’t.

What Worked 

Run Game

Shaun Shivers’ coming out party. This is the Shivers we’ve been waiting to see. His ground attack was impressive and it clearly was the main reason Indiana was able to come out on top. 13 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns is good for his season high in all stats. The offensive line was clearly up for the job, and it appeared as if they were working together better than they had all season. Before the game, the expectation was for us to moderately tear apart MSU’s secondary. Michigan State gives up the second most passing yards per game in the Big Ten. Instead, the script was successfully flipped in the best way possible. They couldn’t stop Shivers. 

Special Teams

The Hoosiers special teams, specifically Jaylin Lucas, was a major factor in the win. Lucas had 168 kick return yards including an 88-yard touchdown. He opened the game with a 42-yard return that helped set up Indiana’s first touchdown. IU also blocked a field goal and prevented long returns on both kick and punt coverage.

Fourth Down Defense

Part of the reason why IU came out with a win is that they held Michigan State to just 1-of-4 on fourth downs. This kept the Spartans off the board and gave momentum to the Hoosiers.

What Didn’t

Pass Defense

Even though Indiana got the win, our defense still gave up more points and yards than preferrable. Through the air, QB Payton Thorne tossed for 27-42, 298 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

First Half Tackling

RB Jalen Berger gashed the Hoosiers for over 100 yards on the ground, and WR Keon Coleman was on the receiving end for one of those touchdowns and 107 yards through the air. Indiana’s secondary did come up with an interception, changing the momentum in Indiana’s favor.