It has been 56 years since Indiana football secured consecutive wins over Michigan State. The Hoosiers defeated the Spartans three straight seasons from 1967-1969.
Last season, Indiana cruised to a 47-10 victory over Michigan State in East Lansing, Michigan. Now, the Hoosiers host the Spartans on Saturday, with a chance at bringing the Old Brass Spittoon home for a second year in a row.
Indiana returns to Memorial Stadium in Bloomington after two games on the road. On Oct. 11, the Hoosiers notched a historic win over then-No. 3 Oregon –– their first road win over an Associated Press top-five team in school history.
But Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and his team remain focused on the future.
“Rip off the rearview mirror, so to speak,” Cignetti said Monday in his weekly media availability. “Total focus on Michigan State. I think the key now is our response coming off of this game. But that's always the key.”
The Spartans offer the Cream and Crimson its first opportunity to build upon last week’s victory. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on Peacock.
“But they got a lot of good players, great coaches, really respect Coach (Jonathan) Smith,” Cignetti said. “Did a great job at Oregon State. They got good design in all three phases of the game. They got guys that stand out, and I'm expecting their best shot.”
Here’s what to know about Michigan State:
Jonathan Smith
After a disappointing 4-8 record in 2023, Michigan State overhauled its leadership. In late November, the school announced the hiring of head coach Jonathan Smith. In his first season at the helm, Smith guided the Spartans to a 5-7 overall record.
In his second season with the program, Smith led the Spartans to a promising start in 2025, ending nonconference play with a 3-0 record. But Michigan State has struggled to begin Big Ten competition. The Spartans have yet to win a game since their final nonconference game against Youngstown State University on Sept. 13, and currently ride a three-game losing streak heading into Bloomington.
Despite its three-game skid, Smith expressed his confidence in the program's ability to “right the ship” during his media availability Monday. The matchup against the No. 3 Indiana poses a prime opportunity for a midseason turnaround.
Uncertainty at quarterback
Questions surrounding the quarterback position loom over Michigan State ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles started the first six games for the Spartans. Across his starts, Chiles compiled 1,019 passing yards and nine touchdowns through the air. However, Chiles exited the Spartans’ 38-13 loss against UCLA on Oct. 11 in the third quarter after taking a hard hit.
Following his departure, redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic took over signal-calling duties. Milivojeciv threw for 100 yards and a touchdown in Chiles’ absence.
On his weekly radio show Wednesday, Smith said Chiles has practiced on a “limited” basis throughout the week. If Chiles is unable to play Saturday, Milivojevic would get the first start of his collegiate career.
“I think Alessio’s gotten into the game and showed some good signs,” Smith said. “We do have confidence in one, his capabilities, his preparation, that kind of thing.”
Michigan State’s defense
Michigan State’s defense will face its toughest task of the season so far against Indiana’s offense.
“I think on offense, they’ve got both schemes of it,” Smith said Monday. “They can either run it, they can throw it –– physical up front, good receiver play.”
The Spartans enter the contest allowing 31.83 points per game to opponents, which ranks 120th in the nation. Meanwhile, Indiana scores 44.8 points per contest –– the fourth highest mark in the country.
Junior linebacker Jordan Hall leads the Spartans with 45 tackles. Hall collected seven stops against the Bruins last weekend and has led Michigan State in tackles in four of its first six games of the season.
Still, Michigan State has collectively struggled to get stops. This will not get easier against the Hoosiers, who lead the nation with 163 first downs gained.
Nick Marsh
In 2024, Michigan State sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh collected 41 receptions and 649 receiving yards. Both set single-season program records for a true freshman.
This season, Marsh has built upon his strong freshman campaign. The Detroit native reeled in seven catches for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Bruins and is tied for seventh in the Big Ten with four touchdown receptions.
“We want to continue to find ways to get the ball in his hands,” Smith said of Marsh Wednesday.
Marsh holds an opportunity for another successful outing against Indiana. Although it has been a historic season for the Hoosiers overall, their secondary has been prone to explosive plays through the air. This includes a 59-yard touchdown against Illinois on Sept. 20 and a 44-yard score against Oregon on Oct. 11.
Follow reporters Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames and jamesdm@iu.edu) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa and qmrichar@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
