Three & Out Defense: Week 7 Michigan State Spartans

The Hoosiers defense may have found something to build upon
in the victory over Penn State last week.
Holding the Nittany Lions to just 70 yards rushing was impressive, even
if they lost 30 yards on a botched field goal snap.  Indiana made Penn State one-dimensional and that will be the
goal again versus the Spartans.
While we get ready to watch the Hoosiers battle for the Old Brass
Spittoon let’s take a look at the three keys for victory on defense.

1. Turnovers,
turnovers, turnovers- This part of the game cannot be stressed enough,
especially against an offense that does not score many points.  Any time the Hoosiers defense can
create a short field for their offense it’s a major victory.  Connor Cook is coming off his “best”
game of the season against Iowa.
In reality, Cook is completing just over 54% of his passes with seven
touchdowns and only one interception.
While he has only thrown one interception, Cook’s accuracy is far from
ideal and the Hoosiers need to take advantage of errant throws and grab
interceptions when they can.

2. Make the Spartans
One-Dimensional- Indiana needs to take away the Spartan run game like they
did in the game against Penn State.
It would be easier for the defense to accomplish this if the offense can
get off to a fast start.  Michigan
State is missing a true feature back this year.  Jeremy Langford leads the team in rushing with 311 yards and
four touchdowns.  Javon Ringer and
Le’veon Bell are not running out of the tunnel to punish the Hoosier defense
anymore.  If the Hoosiers can make
Maxwell throw the ball 30 or more times they should be in good shape.

3. Get off the field-
That’s the formula every week.
Keep this defense rested and they should be able to hold their own
against this Spartan offense.  The
key to getting off the field is holding the Spartans to minimal yards on first
and second down.  Connor Cook does
not put the fear into anyone just yet, so having him try and complete a long
pass on third down is probably the best outcome for the Hoosiers.

The Indiana defense should match up well against an
underwhelming Spartan offense, which bodes well for the Hoosiers’ chances if
the offense can score over 30 points.