Indiana Football Opponent Q&A: Getting to know Michigan State

The Indiana football program enters its final home game of the season with Michigan State coming to town.

Indiana ists at 3-7 overall and 1-6 in Big Ten play.

Michigan State is also 3-7 overall and 1-6 in league play. Both Indiana and Michigan State are the only one-win teams in conference play.

HoosierIllustrated.com spoke with SpartanShadows.com, part of the Full Ride Network, Publisher and owner Connor Muldowney to get a better look at Spartans and some of the challenges that the Indiana football program will face on Saturday.

Q: The QB room seems to be a bit of a revolving door this season. While Katin Houser is the starter, it looks like Sam Leavitt has been getting on the field in spurts this season. What do the two quarterbacks bring to the field and do you think Leavitt sees the field again this year or maintains his redshirt season?

Muldowney: The quarterback position has been a bit of a nightmare and it all started with Mel Tucker probably making the wrong choice for the starter back in September. Katie Houser had the higher ceiling and he went with the veteran Noah Kim. I think this hurt Houser’s confidence a bit. And now he’s been thrown into the fire against the likes of Michigan, Maryland, Iowa, and Ohio State. It hasn’t been pretty. He has potential, but I’m reserving final judgement until he gets a new head coach to work with him. As for Sam Leavitt, his potential is also through the roof and he is actually preserving that redshirt so we won’t see him again this year.

Q: Michigan State’s offense is near or at the bottom of the Big Ten in numerous categories, but who are some of the key playmakers for the Spartans and is anyone new emerging late in the season?

Muldowney: That’s a great question. The offense has bee held back by its coordinator, but that’s a rant for a different day. I’d say that the names to look out for on offense are Nathan Carter at running back, Jaron Glover (if healthy) at receiver, Tyrell Henry at receiver, and a quick riser lately has been freshman tight end Brennan Parachek. There are solid pieces, but the play-calling and offensive line have been disappointing.

Q: While MSU brings in a struggling defense, what areas do the Spartans seem to have an edge and when is that unit at its best?

Muldowney: I think the Spartans have an edge defensively when it comes to the line and linebackers. When healthy, these two groups can cause some problems. The problem is, there seems to be a new guy going down to injury every week. Last week it was promising defensive end Zion Young. The defense is a mash unit right now.

Q: With everything that has gone on this season — both on and off of the field — how is the mentality of the team? With two games left and no bowl eligibility remaining, will that mentality still be there?

Muldowney: Harlon Barnett has been an excellent glue to this team since the Mel Tucker firing. The interim coach may not be great a in-game decision making or clock management, but he is a calming force in a difficult time. Everyone seems to love him and the team morale is surprisingly high considering the unfortunate situation they’ve been facing. They haven’t quit on each other as evidenced by the Nebraska win last week and near-victories against Iowa, Minnesota, and Rutgers. This team may be 3-7, but it’s a few plays away from 6-4, at least. Harlon’s presence is a big reason for that. I think that mentality is here to stay despite the bowl-less situation.

Q: Indiana was an opening 4.5-pt favorite. If Michigan State keeps this one close or wins, what are the 2-3 reasons why?

Muldowney: If Michigan State is able to pull this one out, I think it’s going to be up to the defense on third downs, the run game actually executing and producing, and Katin Houser getting time in the pocket. Another underrated reason would be a more disciplined game with fewer penalties. That would play into the Spartans’ favor as they’ve been known to shoot themselves in the foot this year.