| When Michigan State started this year, following up a New Years Six Bowl, with needing a home win against Indiana to get bowl eligible, was certainly not the goal. But, if you told Spartan fans when they were 2-4, and 0-3 in Big Ten play, that they'd be able to squeak into a bowl, they would have signed up in a heartbeat. So this game is very different based on the September goals vs. the October goals. The major difference has been a defense which has gotten a little bit healthier, and a lot better. The post tunnel suspensions, going on 3 games, have certainly hurt, but two players, Xavier Henderson and Jacob Slade, who were out with injuries, returning, have outweighed the massive suspension losses, which have gone on longer than expected. The issues have flipped from the defense to the offense, namely the passing game, which, while having seemingly great receiving options, has struggled. The running game has had, particularly considering the competition, which includes Illinois' previously top Big Ten run defense, their best two games of the season. Jayden Reed and Keon Coleman have looked like an top end Big Ten receiving duo, and Daniel Baker and Maliq Carr as as good a 1-2 tight end punch as exists in the conference. The issue has been Peyton Thorne, who previously overachieved as a late MAC flip, but in 2022 has looked like the guy who was committed to Western Michigan. What chance Indiana has depends on how the OL plays. The line has been the major problem for Indiana all year, leading to a coaching change. With mobile redshirt freshman Dexter Williams likely stepping into the starting role, he can both bail out the OL, while making their job, figuring out where he is, harder. I think he steals some first downs on 3rd and long, but ultimately, unless he can keep this defense honest against the pass, which he hasn't shown yet, I think this healthier Spartan secondary, can play a solid bend but don't break. |
