The Spartans take their 3–3 overall record and 0–3 Big Ten mark into Bloomington, Indiana, to take on the third-ranked Hoosiers for the Old Brass Spittoon.

Michigan State hasn’t exactly struck fear into opponents this season, and with quarterback Aidan Chiles still questionable, things don’t get any easier. Meanwhile, Indiana looks scarier than the new Weapons movie — and they’ll look to bring that haunted energy to Spartan Nation this weekend.

Indiana’s Offense: Ground and Pound Dominance

The Hoosiers enter the matchup with the nation’s ninth-best scoring offense and the Big Ten’s second-ranked unit overall. Their success starts on the ground.

Indiana spreads carries among a trio of productive backs — Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, and Khobie Martin — who’ve combined for 1,043 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. As a team, Indiana leads the Big Ten in both total rushing yards (1,450) and rushing yards per game (241.7). Expect that to be the foundation of their attack on Saturday.

Michigan State’s Defense: Searching for Answers

Stopping the run has been an issue all year for the Spartans. MSU currently ranks 13th out of 18 Big Ten teams, allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game. But against conference opponents, the numbers get even uglier.

If there’s any silver lining, it’s not through the air. Michigan State ranks 14th in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (238), while Indiana sits sixth in passing offense. To slow the Hoosiers, the Spartans must first clog the run lanes and hope to force quarterback mistakes on third down — a tall task given how balanced Indiana’s offense has been.

Trick or Treat in Bloomington

If you’re summing up this matchup, it’s “Trick and Treat.” The Spartans might trick you into thinking they can compete early, but the treat — or terror — will be Indiana’s offense: a smooth, peanut-butter-cup blend of strong blocking and smart rushing.

Vegas agrees. Oddsmakers have Indiana favored by 27.5 points, with an over/under of 52.5 — roughly projecting a 38–10 type of game. That feels about right.

Final Prediction

My pick depends somewhat on whether Aidan Chiles suits up, but as I pack for a four-day fall hiking trip with the boys, it’s now or never to lock it in.

Final Score Prediction: Indiana 41, Michigan State 10

I’ll take Indiana to cover the spread and the under to just barely hit, thanks to the clock-churning run games on both sides. I’m rooting for one of the biggest upsets in recent Spartan memory — but the odds aren’t in green and white’s favor.