EAST LANSING, Oct. 17, 2025 ~ Michigan State heads to Bloomington this weekend looking to flip the narrative and reclaim the Old Brass Spittoon in a pivotal Big Ten matchup against Indiana. The Spartans are coming off a tough stretch, but there’s still belief in the locker room that this team can turn things around. Head coach Jonathan Smith has emphasized resilience all week, and with a chance to spoil Indiana’s undefeated season. The Hoosiers, ranked No. 3 nationally, are riding a wave of momentum, but rivalry games have a way of rewriting expectations.
The Spartans’ offense will be under the spotlight, especially with questions surrounding junior quarterback Aidan Chiles’ availability. If Chiles is cleared to play, MSU will look to lean on his dual-threat ability to keep Indiana’s aggressive defense off balance. If not, freshman backup Alessio Milivojevic will need to step up and manage the game efficiently. Sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh continues to be a bright spot, and the offensive line will need to deliver its best performance of the season to give the Spartans a fighting chance.
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(CONTINUED) Defensively, Michigan State faces a tall task in slowing down Indiana’s high-powered attack led by junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza and senior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers have been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 44 points per game, and their tempo could test MSU’s depth. Look for junior linebacker Jordan Hall and senior defensive back Joshua Eaton to play key roles in containing big plays and forcing turnovers. If the Spartans can win the turnover battle and control the clock, they’ll have a shot to keep things close.
This game isn’t just about standings, it’s about pride, grit, and proving that MSU football still has fight. While Indiana enters as the heavy favorite, Michigan State has a history of rising to the occasion when least expected. A win on Saturday would not only shake up the Big Ten but also inject new life into the Spartans’ season. Expect a physical, emotional battle, and if the Spartans bring grit and discipline, they just might leave Bloomington with the Spittoon and a statement win.
