Hoosiers Drop Another Heartbreaker

LJ Scott capped off an eventful week with a TD. Image: Sarah Miller HoosierHuddle.com

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The IU defense was incredibly stout for the majority of the afternoon in East Lansing but the Indiana Hoosiers came up short once again against a high-profile opponent as they fell to the Michigan State Spartans 17-9. 

Both defenses asserted themselves early and established the story that would persist for the remainder of the game. IU got a first down but was forced to punt. The Spartans did the same. The teams traded punts until Tony Fields forced a fumble from Madre London that was recovered by Jonathan Crawford at the 15 yard line. The Hoosiers were unable to capitalize though and were forced to settle for a field goal. The failure to produce in the red zone would be repeated on two occasions later and it would prove fatal for IU. The first quarter ended with the Hoosiers leading 3-0. Michigan State eventually put together a nice drive but IU's defense stiffened and held MSU to a field goal that evened the score at three as the two teams went to the half. 

The two teams began the second half with three and outs and then MSU was forced to punt again. IU opened up their offense a little bit and eventually worked into position for a 44-yard field goal that was nailed by Griffin Oakes to put IU ahead 6-3. Indiana's defense continued to suffocate the Spartan offense and the Hoosiers nearly put the game away as they drove inside the five yard line in the fourth quarter. However, the offense again sputtered inside the 5 and IU settled for another field goal from Oakes. After another MSU punt, IU's offense was unable to move the ball and they were forced to give the Spartans the ball back at the 45 yard line. They took advantage of the good field position and eventually found Felton Davis for an 11 yard touchdown that put them ahead 10-9 with just under six minutes to play. IU was unable to mount an attack and Michigan State decided to run in for a a touchdown instead of running the clock out that put the Spartans ahead 17-9 with under three minutes to play. Again, IU's offense was unable to threaten and the game ended with a final score of 17-9. The Hoosiers were called for ten penalties for 115 yards and MSU was only flagged three times. Make of that what you will. Ultimately, it was a very familiar feeling for IU fans and players. They are now 3-4 and they will need to be nearly flawless against Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois and Purdue if they are to have a successful 2017 season.