Even though Michigan beat a Top 10 team, Indiana had arguably the best win of the week. They won the Old Brass Spittoon for the first time in 10 years, it was against the defending Big Ten champions, and they did so in comeback fashion.
The Hoosiers needed a bounce-back game after Richard Lagow handed his team their first loss by throwing five interceptions against Wake Forest. Well not only did Lagow throw two touchdown passes, he also caught one in the third quarter to spark Indiana’s comeback from 14-0 down. And as it turned out, that trick play was just what the Hoosiers needed to regain their confidence.
Indiana also won its second game against a ranked team in 26 attempts, although this loss effectively knocked the Spartans out of the Top 25. And just a year ago, they were at the bottom of the Big Ten in total defense. So for them to hold Michigan State to 21 points in regulation, and keep them off the board in overtime is significant.
The Hoosiers should enjoy this win, but it doesn’t make them a contender. That’s because their next two games are against Ohio State and Nebraska, while they play Michigan in Week 12. And as long as they’re in the Big Ten East, winning it will be hard to come by. All things considered, they needed this win, but let’s see if they’re able to build on it in Week 6.