Hoosiers get ready for Spartans defense

For the first time this season, the Hoosiers (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten) will play on the road this weekend. IU will face Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) at 12 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium in a battle for the Old Brass Spittoon.

The Hoosiers haven’t defeated the Spartans since 2006, and IU’s last victory in East Lansing, Mich., was in 2001 when Antwaan Randle El led the team to a 37-28 win.

While the Hoosiers no longer have the former Heisman Trophy finalist Randle El at quarterback, IU has a two-headed threat under center that leads the nation’s ninth-best offense in terms of yards per game.

Sophomore quarterback Nate Sudfeld is 21st in the country in quarterback rating. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Tre Roberson played only seven snaps against Penn State but scored 14 points.

The Hoosiers’ offense will face its toughest task of the season when it faces the Spartans’ defense. Michigan State leads the FBS in total yards allowed, pass efficiency defense and rushing defense. In four of the Spartans’ five games this season, they have limited their opponents to two touchdowns or fewer.

IU Coach Kevin Wilson said Michigan State’s defensive personnel and schemes are very good, which allows them to stop the run. 

“They structurally know where to lineup,” he said. “They know where they’re supposed to be. They know where their eyes are.”

Wilson said Michigan State’s Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi is one of the best in the country.

“They’re really strong in their blitz package of when they blitz and how they blitz,” he said.

Not only have the Spartans held their opponents to an average of 203 yards per game, but MSU’s defense has also put points on the board as well. Michigan State’s defense has allowed eight touchdowns this season but it has also scored four touchdowns.

IU Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell said Michigan State’s defense is experienced in its scheme.

“You watch on film, they’re well-trained with their eyes,where their eyes are supposed to be, what their keys are, and it doesn’t take them long once they see that key to get downhill on it,” he said.

Littrell said the Spartans’ defensive line is big and long up front.

“Their D-End (sophomore Shilique) Calhoun’s very active. He’s done a nice job on the edge for them this year,” he said. “ I guess as a team you’re going to see more length and size than some of the other ones you would see.”

IU’s offense will have to overcome its second loss of a starting lineman this season. The Hoosiers lost sophomore Dan Feeney in fall camp, and redshirt sophomore right guard David Kaminski is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL against Penn State.

“It’s always a little easier when you got a group that you feel extremely comfortable with and your calls become a lot easier,” Littrell said. “You don’t worry about ‘em as much but obviously we’ve had some nicks and we’ve had some injuries. That’s part of the game.”

IU will adjust its offensive line with a “next man up” mentality.

“I promise you this, we’ll line up with five guys and we’re gonna go out there, and when it’s all said and done, at the end of the day go out there and compete,” Littrell said.

Follow reporter Andy Wittry on Twitter @AndyWittryIDS.