News Summary
The Michigan State Spartans are gearing up for a challenging game against the No. 7 ranked Indiana Hoosiers. With Indiana riding a 5-0 record, they seek to maintain their momentum after last year’s victory over Michigan State. The match is not only vital for bragging rights, owing to the historic rivalry and The Old Brass Spittoon trophy, but it also holds playoff implications for both teams. As the Spartans look for a rebound, they must contend with Indiana’s formidable roster, highlighted by standout quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
EAST LANSING, MI – The Michigan State Spartans are preparing for a formidable challenge as they face the No. 7 ranked Indiana Hoosiers on October 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
Indiana, currently one of the top teams in the Big Ten, boasts an undefeated record of 5-0 and is looking to build on a successful season. Last year, Indiana decisively defeated Michigan State 47-10 in this matchup, reclaiming The Old Brass Spittoon trophy. This historic rivalry trophy serves as a significant symbol of pride for both teams.
In the all-time series against Indiana, Michigan State leads with a record of 50-19-2. Notably, the Spartans have been successful in Bloomington, winning their last three games in that location. However, with Indiana’s rise to prominence following an 11-1 regular season last year and a College Football Playoff appearance, the Spartans are likely to face a steeper challenge this time around.
ESPN’s Football Power Index currently gives Indiana a 71.8% chance of securing a spot in the highly competitive 12-team playoff field. The Hoosiers recently showcased their dominance by crushing No. 17 Illinois 63-10, further asserting their status as a major force in the conference. This success can be attributed in part to the strategy of head coach Curt Cignetti, who has effectively utilized the transfer portal to enhance the team’s roster.
Among the standout athletes is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who joined Indiana from Cal. His performance has been exceptional, completing 73% of his passes for a total of 1,208 yards while throwing 16 touchdowns and only one interception. Mendoza’s passer rating of 197.8 is the highest in the Big Ten, highlighting his critical role in the team’s success. Indiana also features two outstanding receivers, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., both exceeding 400 receiving yards and tied for the Big Ten lead with six receiving touchdowns each.
On the other hand, Michigan State enters the game with a record of 3-2 overall and an 0-2 mark in Big Ten play. The Spartans are seeking a win against UCLA this week to build momentum before taking on Indiana. The matchup against the Hoosiers marks the second of two rivalry trophy games this season for Michigan State.
As Indiana aims to retain both The Old Brass Spittoon and the Old Oaken Bucket trophies after claiming both in the previous season, they face a critical upcoming schedule. Following the Michigan State matchup, Indiana will go head-to-head with No. 3 Oregon, adding another highly anticipated game to the calendar.
The media rights for Big Ten games are part of a comprehensive deal that extends through 2030, involving several platforms, including Peacock and CBS. Indiana has navigated challenges with media exposure, shifting from a streaming focus back to traditional broadcasting for key matchups. The game against Michigan State will be the Hoosiers’ second app-exclusive game in just four weeks, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of sports media consumption.
As the Spartans prepare for this challenging game, they will be hoping to reclaim The Old Brass Spittoon and shift the momentum of their season back in their favor against a formidable Indiana squad.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Spartans Game vs. Hoosiers Overview
- IndyStar: Indiana Football vs. Michigan State
- MLive: Michigan State at Indiana Broadcast Info
- Detroit Free Press: Aidan Chiles and Spartans Updates
- SI: Indiana Football Kickoff and Channel Info
- Wikipedia: Michigan State Spartans Football
- Google Search: Michigan State vs. Indiana 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Michigan State Spartans
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