BTN.com staff, October 6, 2012
Indiana has raced out to an early lead and are on top 17-0 at the end of the first. The Hoosiers held Michigan State to 22 total yards in the quarter. Indiana took the game's first lead after Cameron Coffman threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Houston on the last play of a seven-play, 75-yard drive. The Hoosiers relied on a run play just one time on that drive.
Indiana opened up the lead, 10-0, after Mitch Ewald kicked a 32-yard field goal to end a seven-play, 44-yard drive.
The Hoosiers made their lead 17-0 when Coffman tossed a 21-yard touchdown to Ted Bolser on the last play of a seven-play, 80-yard drive. Indiana used Coffman's 39-yard pass to Kofi Hughes to fuel the drive. The Hoosiers ran just one time during that march downfield.
The Spartans have possession at their own 38-yard line to start the second quarter.
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Here's more from BTN.com's Tom Dienhart:
Player on the spot: Pick a Spartan receiver. Any Spartan receiver. The unit has been maligned all season for inconsistency, as drops have been a huge issue. Purported star Bennie Fowler has lost his starting job to true freshman Aaron Burbridge. Will he step up? Will anyone? Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery had their moments last week. Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell hasn?t tossed a pick since having three in the opener vs. Boise State, and he?s coming off his best game of 2012. Maxwell must take advantage of an Indiana defense that is last in the Big Ten overall and vs. the run, and is ninth vs. the pass.
Key matchup: Indiana defensive line vs. Michigan State offensive line. Both units have disappointed for various reasons. Well, here?s a chance to shine. If Hoosier tackles Larry Black Jr., and Adam Replogle get run over and can?t stop star Spartan back Le?Veon Bell, it will be a long day for Indiana. If Michigan State-which has lost right tackle Fou Fonoti and center Travis Jackson to injury-can?t run, it will put too much pressure on a spotty passing game. Bottom line: Look for the Spartans to run Bell-the Big Ten?s top rusher (655 yards)-early and often. Whatcha got, Hoosiers?
Key number: One, number of field goals missed in each game for Michigan State kicker Dan Conroy. His missed 42-yarder in the second quarter last week proved to be the difference in a one-point loss to Ohio State.
Key note: The Hoosiers haven?t beaten the Spartans since 2006. In fact, Indiana has beaten Michigan State just five times in the last two decades. To have any shot to win, Indiana will have to score-a lot-with an offense that is No. 2 in the Big Ten (510.0 ypg). It isn?t known who will start at quarterback for the Hoosiers, but don?t be shocked if Cam Coffman and Nate Sudfeld each sees action vs. a Spartan defense that is No. 1 in the Big Ten (263.4 ypg).
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