Thoughts on Indiana Game

Well folks, that was ugly. Obviously, there are some encouraging things, but this game also raised some new concerns, particularly with the coaching.

Offense

MSU's offense continues to make bad defenses look like world beaters.

Obviously, the o-line continues to struggle. They still can't open running holes, even against an Indiana team with a poor run defense. That's terrifying, going forward.

The receivers are still having some problems, particularly with separating from defenders. The worst thing is that Dion Sims may be lost to injury. The second worst thing is that Mumphery struggled, which basically means that no receiver has played well for at least 2 games in a row. That means there is no go-to receiver. At least Burbridge looked pretty good, but let's see if he can do it 2 weeks in a row. Fowler also looked better, but he needs to also show consistency. Hat-tip to Lawrence Thomas, who is looking like he could be the next Sims. I love how he is being used.

Maxwell played pretty well. But he didn't play as well this week as last week.

LeVeon Bell had another good game, but I'm starting to think that the Spartans need a lightning option at running back. They need a home run hitter. That means using Nick Hill more often or burning the redshirt of Nick Tompkins. LeVeon Bell is great, but his lack of home run speed limits the number of plays the offense can run and increases predictability.

Defense

I thought the Spartans would have a tougher time with Indiana's offense than most expected. But I didn't think they would struggle this much. This game suggests that MSU has problems with good passing teams. Fortunately, there are not many good passing teams in the B1G.

The safeties (Lewis, Drummond, Jones, and Williamson) and Bullough are turning out to be the heart and soul of this defense. The d-line and outside linebackers and cornerbacks are pretty good, but not the elite pieces we expected.

Special Teams

It's sad that in a year where the offense is struggling, the special teams are as well. Nick Hill actually gave that ball away at the end. And why even try to block any more punts? Blocking a punt or a kick works like 1 out of 10 times, while it more often seems to lead to drive-extending personal fouls.

Coaches

This game made it rather clear that the coaches are as much of a problem this year as the inexperience of the players. To begin with, the Spartans started this game undisciplined and unmotivated, and that's on the coaches.

But worst of all, Indiana's play calling shows how problematic MSU's play calling has been. First-year(!) Indiana coaches were able to use the talent they have to nearly upset the Spartans, while MSU's coaches continue to try to do things their talent does not allow them to do. Indiana showed a lot more creativity on both sides of the ball, which is what you need to do when you don't have great talent.

Particularly on offense, the Spartan coaches need to get creative with their play calling. They need to compensate for their lack of talent/experience. They should re-watch what Indiana did today in the first half and take notes.

Even the defense needs to adjust for its level of talent. They need to stop acting like they still have Jerel Worthy and like the cornerbacks are elite. They need to start showing some more creativity -- blitz from different positions and drop a defensive end into coverage now and then (I don't know).

Upshot 

This game does not bode well for the rest of the season. MSU's offense has now looked anemic against everyone but CMU. If they struggled this much against Indiana, I don't see this offense scoring many points against even mediocre defenses. Iowa will hold this offense to under 17 points. That is, unless Mumphery, Burbridge, and Thomas have huge games.