Error processing SSI fileMichigan State: Notebook
Teammate: Stanton will rebound in a big way
After a couple of days of feeling bad about lopsided loss, junior QB is ready to move forward.
EAST LANSING -- After Drew Stanton's shocking four-turnover performance last week, most people who know and follow the Michigan State quarterback expect him to bounce back with a vengeance Saturday against Indiana.
"I think Drew's going to have a hell of a game," offensive guard Gordon Niebylski said.
Niebylski spent Saturday night with Stanton following the 49-14 debacle against Northwestern.
"He was sad," Niebylski said. "He wasn't too talkative. He was subdued."
They went bowling Sunday and played golf Monday.
By Tuesday, Stanton was ready to move on and put the worst game of his career behind him.
"It just took time," said Stanton, who threw three interceptions, equaling his total for the first six games combined. "But that stuff's behind us now. You have to have a bad time to appreciate the good. Everybody struggles. Nobody goes their career having complete highs."
Stanton received phone calls, e-mail and letters offering encouragement from family, friends and fans.
"It was nice to see the support," he said.
Stanton is hoping his rare bad day actually could turn out to be beneficial to him in the long run.
"I was trying to make the big plays and do too much at times," he said.
"One thing I learned is to do what I can and not try to do too much. That's a valuable lesson I'll take away from that game. Hopefully, it won't happen again."
The Spartans (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) must win two of their final four games to become bowl-eligible.
"It's going to test our pride," Stanton, whose team has lost three straight since a 4-0 start, said of Saturday's game at Spartan Stadium.
He vowed, "We're going to turn this thing around."
Starting to win
Coach Terry Hoeppner, who previously worked at Miami (Ohio), has helped revive the Indiana program in his first season.
The Hoosiers, who have home games against Minnesota and Purdue remaining, need two victories in their final four to become bowl-eligible. They haven't been to a bowl since 1993.
Like MSU, Indiana (4-3, 1-3) is coming off a disappointing blowout at home. Hoeppner said his team "took a big step backward" in a 41-10 loss to Ohio State.
"We're regrouping this week," Hoeppner said.
He added that the game against MSU could come down to "which team regroups the best."
No rush
The Hoosiers rank last in the Big Ten in rushing (140.9 yards per game), and ninth in rush defense (188.9).
Michigan State, which is second in the conference in rushing with a 223.9-yard average, will likely try to exploit that aspect of the Hoosiers' defense. That would help reduce some of the extreme pressure on Stanton to carry the team.
Meanwhile, Indiana has a young quarterback-receiver duo that will target MSU's vulnerable secondary.
Sophomore Blake Powers has 20 touchdown passes, with eight interceptions, in seven games. His favorite target is redshirt freshman James Hardy, who has eight touchdown catches. Hardy's height (6-foot-7) will be a big advantage against the Spartans' smaller cornerbacks.
Briefly
Michigan State's men's basketball team is scheduled to scrimmage at the Breslin Center beginning approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the football game.
Admission is free.
You can reach Dave Dye at dave.dye@detnews.com.
Big Ten Talk
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