Indiana vs. Michigan State key points

Indiana snapped its seven game losing streak against Michigan State Saturday night in a thrilling overtime victory 24-21. An overall team effort lifted the Hoosiers over the struggling Spartans, who are now 0-2 in the Big Ten for the first time in nearly a decade.

The game seemed to have it all. A touchdown reception from quarterback Richard Lagow, critical drops from Michigan State receivers, ejections and flags from penalties you may not have even heard of, and a second half that more than made up for the first.

Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Mitchell Paige (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown with fellow wide receiver Nick Westbrook (15) in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Indiana Hoosiers beat the Michigan State Spartans by the score of 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

After his five interception game against Wake Forest, Richard Lagow responded big-time by posting 276 yards with two passing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. After an unconvincing first half, he took the game over and rallied his offense to victory. He did it with the support of his supporting cast, however, who all did their part.

Devine Redding added another 100 yard game to his resume, including a 44 yarder on their game-tying drive that moved them up the field quick when they needed it the most. Wide Receiver Ricky Jones had 5 receptions for 124 yards and a score, Luke Timian had 3 for 52 yards, including a spectacular catch with a defender guarding him perfectly, and Mitchell Paige hauled in 3 passes for 48 yards and 1 score. Don’t forget about his dime pass to Lagow, though.

While Indiana’s offense played exceptionally, it was Tom Allen’s defense that won them the game. They only allowed Michigan State 7 points in the first half, keeping the Hoosiers in the contest while their offense struggled. In the second half, they gave up a quick touchdown, but weren’t scored on again until the very last minute, and even then they almost made a valiant goal-line stand.

Indiana elected to defend when they won the overtime coin toss which perfectly represents the trust in their defense. It payed off too because consecutive sacks on 2nd and 3rd down by Patrick Dougherty and Nate Hoff forced a long missed field goal. Indiana took over and essentially played for a short field goal. Griffin Oakes missed the chip shot for the win but luckily for him, a Michigan State defender was called for leaping which extended their drive and eventually allowed them to make an even closer field goal.

This could very well be Kevin Wilson’s best win with Indiana. His close calls against Ohio State and Michigan last season would have been better, and perhaps possible under different circumstances, but Michigan State has been a team that has trounced the Hoosiers for years now.

This team clearly believes in this team and with a defense that can actually help the offense, anything is possible for Indiana. They travel to #2 Ohio State next week, which will be a much more difficult game, and Ohio State will now know not to take the Hoosiers lightly. What a way to open up their conference schedule.

Indiana star performances – offense and defense

Richard Lagow

Mitchell Paige

Ricky Jones Jr.

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Tegray Scales

Marcus Oliver

Nate Hoff

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