Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State vs Indiana: 5 players to watch for

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O

Which five Michigan State football players should we be keeping an eye on when the Spartans travel to Indiana this weekend?

Heading into the fourth quarter, Michigan State football was in an intense battle with the Indiana Hoosiers. The game was back-and-forth and the Spartans needed a big final frame in order to come away with a home victory. Last year’s game was suspenseful and the Spartans are hoping this year isn’t quite the same.

Michigan State will be favored heading into the game, but it faces one of the best offenses in the Big Ten. Despite losing Nate Sudfeld and Jordan Howard, the Hoosiers have picked up right where those guys left off.

JUCO transfer quarterback Richard Lagow has played well, other than his five interceptions last week against Wake Forest, and he’s a threat to throw for over 300 yards each time he goes out there. Devine Redding was a 1,000-yard rusher last season and he could repeat that this year.

Those are Indiana’s top players, but which five Spartans should we be keeping a close eye on Saturday night against the Hoosiers?

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; dMichigan State Spartans linebacker Andrew Dowell (5) celebrates fumble recovery during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Dowell

LB, Sophomore

Last year, Andrew Dowell got to play as a true freshman. He started the Furman game and played well and he’s proven that he’s a consistent player, who makes plays. I’ve been impressed with his athletic prowess and high football IQ. John Reschke’s ankle injury was shocking, but it’s a relieving feeling to know that because of Mark Dantonio’s recruiting, MSU will be fine against Indiana.

Dowell is a superstar in the making, therefore, look for him to be all over the field. Andrew is a linebacker who can run with receivers and take on barreling running backs. He is part of the new breed of linebackers that MSU have been recruiting the past couple of years in order to deal with the passing teams.

The sophomore linebacker has been comfortable with an increased role in the past, so don’t expect him to waver against the Hoosiers.

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook (12) eludes a sack by Michigan State linebacker Shane Jones (49) during the third quarter of their game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

Shane Jones

LB, Junior

Shane Jones is an rock-steady linebacker, the type of player who could start for most Big Ten programs, but he is stuck behind some fierce players. Jones understands the defense and had the defensive lined in position to make plays against Wisconsin.

Yes, Riley Bullough is an All-BIg Ten type of linebacker, and there is a step down from him, but Jones was expected to be in a prominent role when he was recruited a few years back. Don’t forget that Jones was a highly sought-after recruit from Cincinnati’s Moeller High School. MSU was fortunate enough to land him and now Spartan fans will be able to watch how good of a player he is.

Matt Millen talked about the loss of Bullough before the game and how it would affect the defense, but it did not affect the defense much. Wisconsin only had a few drives that looked good. Otherwise it was the Spartan offense coughing the ball up or fumbling a punt and offering the Badgers a touchdown on a silver platter.

Jones was there on multiple occasions, making key stops and forcing third-and-longs. Shane Jones is a beast and he will be ready to play Saturday.

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O

Tyler O'Connor

QB, Senior

Tyler O’Connor should be better. It was a terrible performance against Wisconsin and, therefore, he can only get better. If he doesn’t then he will find a spot on the sidelines.

Dantonio was disappointed in his quarterback’s play as well, indicating that O’Connor was the No. 1 guy still, but that he had to play better. The whole offense as a unit looked terrible last Saturday and it is unfair to put it all on O’Connor yet that is the life of a starting QB.

O’Connor forced throws into double-coverage with wide open receivers streaking toward the end zone, panicked under slight pressure, threw the ball away when his one route that he keyed on wasn’t open. Basically, O’Connor regressed in every aspect of quarterback play against the Badgers.

There was a reason the MSU staff picked O’Connor over Damion Terry and Brian Lewerke. Dantonio is a fair coach and is willing to trust his QB and let him work things out, however, O’Connor will have a short leash on Saturday. If his play dips then look for Terry or Lewerke to be in the game.

I believe O’Connor is better than he showed in that game and will bounce back agains Indiana.

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs the ball for a touchdown against Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Raequan Williams (99) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Raequan Williams

DT, Freshman

Raequan Williams simply has to get better in order for Michigan State football to have a chance going forward in the Big Ten season. He was not consistent and absent critical plays. Going into the season MSU’s defensive line was depleted due to graduation and player transfers.

There were a few graduate transfers who are contributing, Kevin Williams and Gabe Sherrod, however they are learning the defense and assimilating still.

Williams is perceived by players and coaches as a difference-maker, however, he cannot take plays off. Spartan fans will remember how dominant Jerel Worthy was in games, especially against Iowa in 2009. Worthy admitted that, at times, he took plays off. He was a dominant player and many believe Williams could be equally as impressive. Michigan State desperately needs Williams to step up.

That’s not to say he wasn’t solid often times when he saw the field last week and against the Fighting Irish the week before. Williams has recorded a couple of sacks and could be a force once he finds his way into the backfield more often.

Indiana is always a difficult matchup because of its offense, but the Spartan pass rush must get to Lagow. If not, then it will be a long day for the defense.

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Donnie Corley (9) carries the ball against the Furman Paladins during the first half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Donnie Corley

WR, Freshman

There has not been a wide receiver as electric in East Lansing since Devin Thomas. Donnie Corley has been nothing short of amazing. Even with the Spartan offense sputtering, he managed to be one of the only bright spots.

Corley is living up to the hype and even breaking through what most pundits expected him to do. If O’Connor had hit Corley in the end zone late in the game instead of throwing an interception then the scope of the game could have changed.

The freshman wide out is the game changer and playmaker that Michigan State football has longed to have. The rest of the Big Ten is on notice and the freshman is only going to get better. He has caught eight passes for 172 yards and a touchdown in his last two games after a quiet two-catch, 17-yard performance against Furman.

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O’Connor and him will develop more chemistry and as they do the MSU offense will find it’s way. I thought Felton Davis III, or Monty Madaris or even R.J. Shelton would have become the No. 1 receiver, but that’s how special Corley is.

Donnie should have a breakout performance against Indiana.