Indiana has faced an uphill climb in its 2021 season, facing three ranked opponents and losing in all three games. This week, the challenging ascent continues as the Hoosiers play their fourth ranked and third top-10 opponent of the season in No. 10 Michigan State.
Not only will IU play a tough team at home, but it's also a rivalry week. Michigan State and IU have competed almost every year for the Old Brass Spittoon since 1950. Last year, IU shut out the Spartans 24-0 on the road for the first time since 2001 to claim the trophy.
Michigan State has come out of the gate strong with a 6-0 record this season, defeating Rutgers 31-13 last week. There's no question a large part of its success has been because of running back Kenneth Walker III, aiding the Spartans in their flawless start. He leads college football with 913 rushing yards and has scored nine touchdowns, which is tied for the third-most in the NCAA.
IU defensive coordinator Charlton Warren praised Walker's abilities in a press conference on Monday.
"He has the speed to bounce it and outrun you, and he has the power to run through you or spin out of a couple tackles, and that makes him an extremely versatile back," Warren said.
Walker has talent and Michigan State's offensive line is just as skilled, assisting him in finding gaps to make room for his explosive cuts. IU head coach Tom Allen touched on the Spartans offensive line in a press conference on Monday.
"They are big up front," Allen said. "They're strong up front. [The] o-line is playing well. They play together. [They] have a good complementary system."
Michigan State enters the game as a 4.5 point favorite, and Walker's success will be a critical factor in whether or not the Spartans can plow through IU's defense. But the running threat certainly isn't IU's only concern.
Quarterback Payton Thorne also poses a threat to the Hoosiers with 1,575 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season with only two interceptions.
IU and it’s quarterbacks, unlike Thorne and the Spartans, have not had the same offensive success this season. The Hoosiers sit at 2-3 and are still looking to achieve their first conference win.
The most recent conference loss came against Penn State on the road in a 24-0 shutout two weeks ago. IU quarterback Michael Penix Jr. exited the game in the second half with a shoulder injury.
With Penix separating his AC joint on his left shoulder against Penn State, he is now listed as week to week. Allen didn’t specify whether Penix will start on Saturday, but all signs point to backup quarterback Jack Tuttle starting.
"Jack obviously, as always, will be ready to go," Allen said. "One of his strengths is his ability to be locked in, focused and prepared at a high level no matter the role he's been asked to perform."
After the Penn State loss, the Hoosiers enjoyed a much-needed bye week to make adjustments and to allow injured players to rehab.
Multiple members of the secondary, including Raheem Layne and Reese Taylor, have been rehabbing during the bye week. Tiawan Mullen is also trying to get back on the field after missing the Penn State game due to a leg injury.
Allen talked about the return of all three players in a press conference on Thursday.
"I feel good about Raheem; he's been out there," Allen said. "The other two are still working to get back. Not sure about either of the two yet, won't know until game day."
Taylor and Mullen's potential absence will deal a significant blow to IU's defense, which has given the Hoosiers a chance to win almost every game. It also prevented the Spartans from scoring against IU last year.
A healthy defense will make it easier for the Hoosiers to defend their trophy and earn their first conference win over the weekend.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16th at noon ET and will be available to watch on FS1.
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