The Spartans (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) lead the nation in total defense, rushing defense, opponent third-down conversions and pass efficiency defense. Opponents average just 3.28 yards per play against MSU, which also is the best in the country.

At the same point a year ago, MSU ranked in the top-10 in just two of those categories.

“I’m more just thinking about the next play, the next drive, the next series, winning the next game, whatever it is,” Bullough said. “I don’t really stop and think and pat myself on the back until after the season.”

Perhaps it’s wise to hold the applause, though, with the high-powered Hoosier offense coming to East Lansing for a noon Homecoming matchup. Averaging 535 yards and more than 44 points per contest, Indiana (3-2, 1-0) boasts the Big Ten’s best statistical offense.

The Hoosiers employ an up-tempo spread offense predicated on throwing the ball around the perimeter and putting their skill players in one-on-one situations in space. Third-year Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma when Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy, and the Sooners set the NCAA record for points in a season in 2008.

It presents a challenge unlike other offenses in the Big Ten, and the breakneck pacing gave MSU some trouble in the first half last year. Indiana’s scoring prowess will provide a different test for the Spartans and potentially threaten their pristine statistics.

“It’s players, it’s schemes, it’s coaching,” Wilson said when asked what makes MSU’s defense special.

“It’s a tremendous package, one of the best in the country, and no slight because there’s some really good teams and defenses in our league.”

To help replicate the pace it will see Saturday, MSU assembled two separate teams to run plays at the defense in practices this week, Dantonio said.

Like his captain and middle linebacker, Dantonio said he’ll hold the applause for his defenders until after the season.

“But I do believe this is an excellent defense that we have,” Dantonio said. “I do believe that there’s a lot of pride there based on things statistically right now. We’re playing extremely well. But the key is, do you play well against every football team that you play against? I think, because every football team that you play against is going to bring a different mentality or concept or the way they do things to you, you have to be able to adjust every single week.”

A team willing to throw the ball all over the field is a dream matchup for senior safety Isaiah Lewis, who saw senior cornerback Darqueze Dennard snag a pair of interceptions last week.

For Lewis, elevating the bar past the elite defenses of 2011 and 2012 serves as motivation. Along with depth, the unit’s biggest strength is experience and knowledge in the system, he said.

“You always want to be on the same page with an offense like that,” Lewis said. “They’re going fast, so you have to know your defense, you have to know what you’re doing already and that’s what we do. We know the defense already, so the challenge is to go against their offense.”