How does Indiana football compare to Ohio State and Oregon? Coach who has faced them all weighs in

EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith has a unique perspective on the Big Ten title race.

Smith is currently the only coach in the conference that’s faced Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana this season. Michigan and Purdue will join that club in the coming weeks, but the Spartans are exclusive members for now and didn’t fare well in any of those conference games.

Michigan State took a 10-0 lead over Indiana football on Saturday, but were shutout in the final three quarters and lost 47-10. The No. 13 Hoosiers (9-0; 6-0 Big Ten) set a record for the best start in program history.

Smith gave high marks to IU when he was asked after the game how he would compare the three teams.

Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti looks on during the second quarter during the game against Michigan State on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

More: Inside Indiana football QB Kurtis Rourke’s return from injury as Hoosiers stay perfect

“I think physicality, d-line gave us issues,” Smith said, of IU. “I think they will match up pretty well there within that ball park.I think their execution, they do not beat themselves, when plays are there to be made, they are making it and I think they can play with anybody.”

Indiana had a season-high seven sacks (most since a win over Illinois on Nov. 11, 2017)  and 15 tackles for loss (most since a loss to Penn State on Nov. 12, 2016) while holding Michigan State to -36 rushing yards.

It was the fewest rushing yards allowed in program history.

He later praised the “great job” Cignetti did building the roster — he signed 51 new players (27 transfers) after taking over and installing his scheme. Cignetti brought nearly his entire offensive coaching staff from JMU as well as multiple assistants on the defensive side of the ball.

“Give him credit for what he’s…

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Author : The Herald-Times

Publish date : 2024-11-03 05:29:37

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