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The Michigan State Spartans bring a 6-0 record and a No. 10 overall ranking in the Associated Press poll into Bloomington this weekend with a road game against the Indiana Hoosiers (2-3) set for noon (Eastern Time) on Saturday.
At this point in the season, with the Big Ten conference schedule now in full swing, Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker is well aware that every game left is a big opportunity for the Spartans. While the Hoosiers have struggled to open the season, Tucker and his team are not overlooking Indiana.
“They’re all big games, every single one of them,” Tucker said about the matchup with Indiana. “Especially when you’re playing a rivalry game for a trophy like we are with the (Old) Brass Spittoon this week. You know, those games are huge, but every game’s big.”
With Michigan State continuing to win games, Tucker and the Spartans are aware of the team’s current standing with a top-10 national ranking and a Heisman Trophy candidate in junior running back Kenneth Walker III. Tucker says the team discusses it and doesn’t hide it, but the most important thing is keeping the focus on what comes next because there is still a lot to accomplish for MSU.
“Everyone knows what’s going on,” Tucker said about Michigan State’s success so far this season. “There’s no elephants in the room, we’re not trying to act like things aren’t happening. (But) OK, now it’s ‘What’s important right now?’ Our preparation is key for us. We’re really focused on our preparation Monday through Friday. You want to get it right so many times in practice that you can’t get it wrong in the game, (that) is the goal, and you want the practices to be harder than the games.”
Additionally, we have videos of media availability with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson, cornerbacks coach Travares Tillman, redshirt sophomore quarterback Payton Thorne, redshirt junior wide receiver Jalen Nailor, senior safety Xavier Henderson and graduate senior defensive end Drew Jordan.