Gameday Primer: Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What: Indiana Hoosiers (3-3) at #18 Michigan State Spartans (5-1)

When: Saturday, October 21 at 3:30

Where: Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on ABC. Fans can also listen to the game on the IU Radio Network with the legendary Don Fischer on the call.

What’s at Stake: The Indiana Hoosiers currently hold the Old Brass Spittoon but they have not won this game in successive years since 1969 when they won three in a row versus the Spartans. In addition, IU has not beaten Michigan State in East Lansing since 2001. A victory for the Hoosiers would put IU in great shape heading into the back end of their schedule. With games against Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers and Purdue still on the schedule this is not a “must win” game for the Hoosiers to reach bowl eligibility but it would certainly be a huge boost and another victory in a rivalry game. Michigan State is a surprising 5-1 and they find themselves in contention for a Big Ten East title if they can pull off an upset or two later this season. At the very least, if they take care of business in games they are favored in (including this one), they would end up with eight or nine victories and be in a very nice bowl game.

A Few Things to Look For

Running Game Issues? – Michigan State’s offense is predicated on a strong running game that has surged this season under improved offensive line play. Brian Lewerke can make plays with his legs from the quarterback position and LJ Scott had a career-high in yardage last week against Minnesota. However, Scott was arrested this week for the seventh (yes, the seventh!!!) time on a charge of driving without a license. It’s unclear how he will be punished or if he will play this Saturday. If he is absent, the Spartans will rely on Madre London, Gerald Holmes and sophomore Darrell Stewart. Stewart has only 15 carries on the season but he’s averaging 7.6 yards per carry. What will Scott’s status be for Saturday and how will it impact the Spartans? IU needs to try and force MSU to beat them through the air. If they can minimize the damage the Spartans do on the ground and force them to throw, the Hoosiers have a decent shot. On the other side of the ball, Morgan Ellison looked good against Michigan and I think the Hoosiers attempt to establish him early and often. It won’t be easy as MSU has a stout defense but I believe it is necessary if IU’s attack is to have a successful day.

Takeaways – While the IU defense has been very good for the most part, there is one area where they have not been as effective as they want to be: takeaways. The Hoosiers absolutely have to start forcing some takeaways and doing so against Michigan State would go a long way towards turning the tide in East Lansing. MSU has only thrown three interceptions on the season and they are a very disciplined bunch but IU’s defense has shown they can get themselves in position to make plays, they just have to finish the deal. Winning the “takeaway” battle at Spartan Stadium will be vital for both sides as neither is likely to put up huge offensive numbers.

Special Teams in a Big Game – I’m carrying this point over because I firmly believe it is a huge deal in games like this. IU’s special teams unit was a disaster against Penn State but then had a terrific performance (with the exception of the blocked field goal) against Michigan. In fact, the special teams unit was a major reason the game made it to overtime. If IU can put together back-to-back top-notch special teams performances from Griffin Oakes, Haydon Whitehead and J-Shun Harris, their confidence will be sky-high for the stretch run and they may just help IU keep the Old Brass Spittoon. Adding in the occasional nice kickoff return would be a pleasant change of pace as well!

Hoosier Huddle will have extensive pre and post-game coverage of this and every other game of the 2017 season!