Michigan State-Indiana Preview: Who Will Take Coveted Old Brass Spittoon?
Michigan State-Indiana Preview Capsule
No. 17 Michigan State (2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) at Indiana (2-1), 8 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Line: Michigan State by 7.
Series Record: Michigan State leads 45-15-2.
What's At Stake
For starters, The Old Brass Spittoon. This unusual trophy has gone to the winner since 1950 but has stayed exclusively in East Lansing since 2007. Both teams also need to rebound from last week's losses. Indiana is looking for a rare 1-0 start in league play, while an 0-2 start would almost certainly knock the defending Big Ten champs out of the conference race.
Key Matchup
Indiana QB Richard Lagow vs. Spartans secondary. Each has something to prove after last week. While Lagow set a school single-game record, throwing for 496 yards, he doomed the Hoosiers' chances by throwing five interceptions. Michigan State, meanwhile, allowed Wisconsin's new starting quarterback to throw for 195 yards and one TD in an efficient game.
Players To Watch
Michigan State: QB Tyler O'Connor. It's not often the Spartans lose big at home, and O'Connor played a big part in that . He was 18 of 38 with 224 yards and three interceptions. He has to be better against an Indiana defense that can force turnovers.
Indiana: RB Devine Redding. Redding's streak of five consecutive 100-yard games ended last week. Now, he'll try to get back on track against a stout Michigan State defense that held Wisconsin's Corey Clement to 54 yards.
Facts & Figures
Michigan State has won seven straight and 11 of the last 12 in this series. ... Indiana has lost 14 of its last 15 Big Ten openers, 11 of those by 10 or more points. Their only win came in 2013 against Penn State. ... The Spartans have not lost two straight since November 2012 (Nebraska and Northwestern). ... Indiana leads the Big Ten in passing offense (334.0 yards) and is sixth in total defense (351.3 yards). ... Both teams could be without key players. Michigan State LB Jon Reschke (sprained ankle) is not expected to play and LB Riley Bullough is listed as day to day with an undisclosed injury. Indiana is still waiting for All-American right guard Dan Feeney to be cleared from the concussion protocol.
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