Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from win over Indiana in Week 8

Michigan State football was pushed to the limit Saturday by Indiana, but the Spartans found the resolve to come away with a hard-fought 17-9 win.

The Spartans overcame a 9-3 fourth quarter deficit with two touchdowns to remain unbeaten in Big Ten play. The pair of touchdowns scored by Michigan State were the only two touchdowns in the game. Field goals and defense reigned supreme as both defenses flexed their muscles.

Sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke was a solid 16-of-29 for 185 yards and a touchdown. He now has ten touchdown passes on the season, while having thrown only three interceptions. His 10-yard TD strike to Felton Davis with 5:59 remaining gave the No. 18 Spartans their first lead of the game.

The hard-luck Hoosiers fell to 0-4 in Big Ten play. Indiana has fell to Big Ten heavyweights, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and now Michigan State. Needless to say, the schedule eases up down the stretch for Tom Allen’s crew.

Yards were difficult to come by, as both defenses held their opponents to under 300 yards on the game. Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey finished a solid 22-of-34 for 158 yards. However, the Hoosiers were unable to punch the ball into the end zone. Settling for field goals ended up costing the Hoosiers a chance for a signature win.

Spartans’ coach Mark Dantonio has officially ‘righted the ship’ after a disappointing 3-9, 2016 campaign. Michigan State now sits at 6-1 overall, and 4-0 in the Big Ten.

Here are three takeaways from the Spartans hard-earned win Saturday.