Indiana’s Keys to Victory at Michigan State

Cam jones celebrates 44-yard pick-six against Connecticut on sept. 21, 2019. Photo by: amanda pavelka/hoosier huddle

The Indiana football squad faces their first conference road challenge of the season against the No. 25 Michigan State Spartans. Saturday’s 3:30ET matchup is a chance for the Hoosiers to steal the Old Brass Spittoon back, which will be much easier said than done in East Lansing. Indiana’s success will be dependent on three things, really.

Penix’s health

Mike Penix’s arm at quarterback could give Sparty’s defense a run for their money, IF he is a full-go. It is not Ramsey’s first rodeo with Michigan State, but Penix has proven to be the differencemaker for IU on the scoreboard. 

Tom Allen says Penix’s availability to lead Indiana’s offense to fight for the Old Brass Spittoon will be a game day decision. 

Fortunately he has been practicing, but ultimately that game day decision, to rest or not to rest Penix, will determine the fate of the Hoosiers in East Lansing. 

Takeaways 

Cam Jones reminded the Hoosiers quickly after halftime against Connecticut just how great it felt to get a takeaway. Jones’ 44-yard pick-six was the first takeaway for Indiana since the season-opener game at Ball State— a pass that was picked off by Jaylin Williams.

Indiana will look to Williams, and Jones especially to step up and make big plays against Michigan State. Against an elite defense like MSU’s, takeaways will change the game if they can fight to make them happen. 

Hoosiers’ will to win

The Hoosiers cannot afford to get behind more than one score, especially surrounded by Spartan fans. There’s only one way to play to win Saturday— come out hot and do not let up. This isn’t the Old Oaken Bucket, but it’s a chance for this year’s squad to do what only one team in the past decade has been able to accomplish— gain possession of the 69-year-old Old Brass Spittoon. 

Indiana’s Keys to Satisfactory Victory over Eastern Illinois

Photo by: sarah miller/hoosier huddle

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@AmandaPavelka3)

Much like Indiana’s season-opening game against Ball State, a victory is expected against Eastern Illinois in the Hoosiers’ home-opener on Saturday. It is not a just a win that makes the team successful, though. Here are keys to a satisfactory victory against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. 

Don’t sleep on defense

Indiana’s defense had a rather lackluster performance against the Cardinals— with a disappointing 25 missed tackles. Along with unacceptable penalties, this lost the Hoosiers yardage in a game that allowed for it. Every yard counts, and against their Big Ten opponents, the Hoosiers cannot afford misses they did last Saturday. Consider Saturday’s matchup another live tackle practice— one they need to take seriously as their battles only get tougher. 

Catch the football

Pass catching was a struggle last Saturday—too many missed catches held the Hoosiers back from their potential in Mike Penix’s first game as starting quarterback. What could have been a blowout ended up a 10-point victory, and against EIU, the receivers will be expected to minimize mistakes. 

Ramp up the run game

Running backs seemed nonexistent in the first half against Ball State. Stevie Scott stepped it up in the second half, but Mike Penix led the Hoosier rushing game. That’s unacceptable going forward. There is too much talent at that position for them to be silent on the stats sheet. 

Gain bench experience

Coaching staff pinpointed problems with tackling, receiving, and the running game between the postgame press conference and Monday’s meeting with the media. If they did their job, the Hoosiers should establish dominance early on enough to rotate through the roster. Nearly every man should have a chance to see the field on Saturday.