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Indiana Football: 3 takeaways from dominant win over Michigan State

By Dante Pryor

Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. makes a pass against Michigan State during the second half of MSU's 24-0 loss to Indiana at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.
Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. makes a pass against Michigan State during the second half of MSU's 24-0 loss to Indiana at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. /
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Indiana wide receiver Ty Fryfogle makes a catch behind Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.
Indiana wide receiver Ty Fryfogle makes a catch behind Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. /

2. The Hoosiers came into the season 11th in returning production

This season more than any, continuity is crucial to a team’s success. The Hoosiers have 75 percent of their offensive production from last season back this year. That includes Michael Penix Jr. –though he was injured last season — wide receivers Ty Fryfogle, Whop Philyor, tight end Peyton Hendershot and running back Stevie Scott.

Just as important as player continuity is coaching continuity. The Hoosiers returned practically everyone on their coaching staff, including head coach Tom Allen. This season, more than most, a familiar system with players familiar with the system is crucial. Michigan State had no such fortune this season.

The Spartans were 117th in returning production from last season. Not only were they replacing their quarterback from last season, but they were also replacing their most productive wide receivers. Couple that with an entirely new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive systems. This is a zero year for the Spartans, and that should be okay.

The Spartans coaching staff inherited a recruiting class that they had nothing to do with. First-year head coach Mel Tucker and the staff did not have contact with the players until summer, and it has shown so far this season.

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