The battle for the Old Brass Spittoon returns in Week 8 as Michigan State (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) travels to face No. 3 Indiana (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) in Bloomington. The Spartans are desperate to halt a three-game losing skid after being outscored heavily in conference play, including a 38-13 defeat to UCLA last week. Indiana, meanwhile, is enjoying its best start in program history under head coach Curt Cignetti, fresh off a landmark 30-20 road win at Oregon that vaulted the Hoosiers into the top three of the national rankings. With Indiana chasing a College Football Playoff berth and Michigan State fighting to stay in the bowl picture, the stakes are high. The rivalry trophy adds another layer of intensity, as the Hoosiers look to retain the Spittoon for the second straight year.
How to Watch: Date, Time, Venue, TV
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT local time)
- Venue: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana
- TV: Peacock
- Streaming options: Peacock (primary), FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (with Peacock add-on)
Indiana’s rise has been fueled by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has completed over 64% of his passes with steady efficiency while adding mobility as a dual-threat option. His connection with wideout Donaven McCulley and the steady ground production of Roman Hemby have given the Hoosiers a balanced attack that can adapt to defensive looks. Michigan State’s offense, by contrast, has struggled to find rhythm. The Spartans’ quarterback play has been erratic, and while their ground game has shown flashes, inconsistency in the passing attack has allowed defenses to load the box.
Defensively, Indiana has been opportunistic, ranking among the Big Ten leaders in turnovers forced and red-zone efficiency. Their front seven has been stout against the run, while the secondary has limited explosive plays with disciplined coverage. Michigan State’s defense, once a program strength, has faltered badly in conference play, surrendering at least 38 points in each of its last three outings. The Spartans’ inability to generate consistent pass rush has left their secondary exposed, a dangerous weakness against Indiana’s efficient passing game.
Coaching tendencies also favor Indiana. Cignetti has emphasized aggressive first-half scripts and timely adjustments, while Michigan State has struggled to respond after halftime deficits. With Indiana at home, buoyed by momentum and a raucous crowd, the Hoosiers are well-positioned to control tempo and dictate terms. Unless Michigan State can force turnovers and establish a dominant ground game early, Indiana’s balance and defensive discipline should carry them to a comfortable win, keeping their playoff hopes alive and the Old Brass Spittoon in Bloomington.