Know Your Opponent: Michigan State Enters Spittoon Battle Looking For Identity

Indiana and Michigan State clash for the Old Brass Spittoon on Saturday Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle

Written By Nathan Comp

Head Coach: Mark Dantonio

Overall: 101-46 12th Year

Bowl Appearances at BSU: 9 (5-4)

2017 Record: 10-3 (7-2) B1G East

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 13 (7-6)

Mascot: Sparty

Colors: Green and White

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: 6

Conference Titles: 11 (9 B1G, 2 MIAA)

Heisman Winners: 0

Last Week’s Result: Bye Week, Last Result was Loss at Arizona State 13-16

2018 Record: 1-1

Statistical Leaders

Passing Brian Lewerke 50-72 (69.4%) 601 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INT

Rushing LJ Scott 30 att. 103 yards 0 TD

Receiving Cody White 14 rec. 183 yards 2 TD

Tackles Joe Bachie 21 tackles (12 solo), 2.5 TFL, 1 Sack

Talking Points

1. Penalty Problems

Thus far, Michigan State can place a lot of the blame of their struggles on their own mistakes. In their Week One one-score victory at home against Utah State, the Spartans committed 9 penalties for 63 yards. In their Week Two loss, they were unable to improve upon this statistic tallying 9 penalties for 82 yards. This included a late pass interference call on a 3rd down that extended Arizona State’s final drive.

2. The Fourth Punter

In Mark Dantonio’s 12-year tenure at Michigan State, he has had only three starting punters. Dantonio cherishes consistency at the position, however, this will not be possible this season. Fifth-year senior punter Jake Hartbarger was sidelined during the game against Arizona State and will be out this week at Indiana. Considering both the historical consistency at this position for the Spartans and that this comes just one week after Indiana’s special teams unit was able to force a blocked punt and return a punt 86 yards for a touchdown, this is certainly noteworthy.

3. Can MSU’s Line Protect their Playmakers?

Because of both injuries and underperformance, MSU’s offensive line has been a revolving door this season. This has caused disappointing rushing statistics for the engines behind the Spartan’s offense, LJ Scott and Brian Lewerke. Scott has been limited to just over 3 yards per carry, while Lewerke has barely run at all and had little time to feel comfortable in the pocket. To succeed against Indiana, the offensive line must be able to open up holes in the run game and give time for Lewerke to deliver the ball to arguably the best receiving group in the Big Ten.

4. Pass Defense Must Improve

Through two games, the MSU defensive secondary has allowed 699 yards through the air, 319 against Utah State and 380 against Arizona State. Many of these yards have come through Indiana’s bread-and-butter offensively, the quick dink and dunk passes. 36 of their 49 allowed first downs have come through the air. The defense has been menacing against the run, allowing only 69 total yards in two games, but the pass defense must improve and lower Peyton Ramsey’s completion percentage if they want to leave Bloomington with the Brass Spittoon.