Junior Aidan Chiles ran the show, throwing for 868 yards and nine touchdowns while completing 68.6% of his passes with only one interception. He led an offense that scored 30 or more points in three of its first four games.

It was a promising start to a season that has since come tumbling down. Chiles has thrown for just 151 yards over his last two games, creating a sense of urgency among the coaching staff to figure out what led to a blowout 38-13 homecoming loss and a 3-3 record.

Coaching adjustments were made, the most notable being a total-offense film session with the team coming together as a unit rather than in positional groups — an approach players say has been beneficial in trying to revive a spark.

“I think that was good for everyone,” senior tight end Jack Velling said. “It’s easy to sit in one position room, point fingers, but when you’re all in the same room, it’s hard to do that. It’s a good way to rebuild that trust with everyone in the room.”

Rebuilding trust in the locker room comes at a critical time, especially the trust between the quarterback and his offensive line.

The lack of pass protection against Nebraska highlighted the first signs of a struggling passing game, as Chiles could never get comfortable in the pocket after being sacked four times.

The junior has faced constant defensive pressure throughout the season, and it has finally taken its toll, potentially sidelining him for the first time as a Spartan. In his place, sophomore Alessio Milivojevic could make his first career start against No. 3 Indiana, whose physical defense has been a driving force behind its success.

Not an ideal situation for a young backup quarterback, but a challenge the coaching staff believes he is both prepared for and excited to take on.

“We’ve got a lot of trust in him [Milivojevic], and I think it’s definitely going to be a challenge,” MSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said. “I think that he would be excited for the opportunity to go on the road and play a top team and showcase what we can do.”

Regardless of preparation, Indiana’s defensive physicality is unmatched. The Hoosiers are 6-0, including two wins over ranked opponents, and rank in the top 10 nationally in fewest points and yards allowed, as well as in opponent third-down conversion rate allowed. Their front applies constant pressure, averaging 3.4 sacks per game, ranking sixth in the country.

“That defense gives a ton of different looks in the secondary. They’re super active up front, and shoot, they went on the road to Autzen [Stadium] and held the Ducks to 13 points [Offensively],” Lindgren said.

MSU players have every reason to feel discouraged, with a physical battle against the Hoosiers awaiting them this weekend and a blowout homecoming loss to UCLA behind them. Still, the team remains confident and united.

“I think we’re as close as we’ve ever been,” Velling said. “I’m not any less confident in this group of guys and the staff. So we have a great opportunity this week.”

Indiana presents a tall task for whichever QB ends up starting on Saturday, as continued offensive struggles could officially end what once looked to be a promising season for a MSU program desperate to rebuild a winning culture.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. The game will stream on Peacock.