EAST LANSING– Michigan State Football allowed 47 unanswered points in a 47-10 loss to the No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers in a battle for the Old Brass Spittoon.
The Spartans controlled the first quarter on both sides of the football. But once the Hoosiers got rolling the Spartans had no answers.
Offensively, quarterback Aidan Chiles found freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh on multiple occasions for big gains. This includes a toe-tap touchdown reception to give the Spartans a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.
Marsh now holds the record for most receiving yards by a freshman in Michigan State history, breaking Cody White’s previous record of 490 set in 2017.
The Spartans’ defense was up to the task of shutting down a highly potent Hoosiers first-quarter offense that had outscored their opponents 87-0 in the first frame this season. The Hoosiers gained just ten yards in their first two drives, committing consecutive three-and-outs.
But once the Hoosiers found themselves down double digits, Curt Cignetti’s crew adjusted.
“They’ve got an ipad too, they’re on the sidelines fixing things as well, seeing what we’re doing and adjusting,” said defensive lineman Maverick Hansen.
After missing last week’s win over Washington, Hoosier’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke found his stride in the second quarter.
First, he connected with tight end Zach Horton on a 17-yard touchdown reception to cut into the Spartans lead. Then he improvised to find wide receiver Elijah Sarratt in the end zone to end the half, giving the Hoosiers a 21-10 lead.
“He was getting that ball out quick,” Hansen said. Rourke ended the day with 263 passing yards and four touchdown passes.
Once the Hooiers applied pressure on Defense, the Spartans couldn’t respond. Chiles would be picked off twice by Hoosiers defensive back Amare Ferrell. Chiles’ two interceptions were his 10th and 11th on the season, leading the Big Ten in interceptions.
But Chiles didn’t have much help, the Spartans’ rushing attack was tamed by the Hoosiers. The Spartans’ running backs combined for 15 rushing yards on 15 attempts– a season-low.
In the second half, after a rough hit, Chiles went down with an injury and was out for the remainder of the game. The 19-year-old sophomore walked off on his own power but did not return to the game.
Postgame head coach Jonathan Smith said he expects Chiles to suit up in two weeks against Illinois.
While the Spartans were down multiple scores in the second half their special teams did not help out, giving up a safety and a fumbled snap that directly turned into a touchdown for the Hoosiers.
Indiana is the third top-15 team that the Spartans have faced this season. The Hoosiers aren’t a perennial powerhouse in the conference like Ohio State or Oregon, but they are a force in the conference in 2024.
When asked if the Hoosiers are on the same tier as the usual favorites in the conference that the Spartans faced off against, Hansen said:
“They’re definitely up there for sure.”
At 9-0, Indiana is now atop the Big Ten standings with a clear chance to make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
Michigan State, now has to win two of its last three games to clinch an appearance in a bowl game.
‘’Regroup and we got a bye to absorb this thing before three opportunities moving forward,” Smith said.
The Spartans will be on a bye week before traveling to Champaign, IL. to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Nov. 16.
