IU's defense among best nationally, yet keeps raising its own expectations

BLOOMINGTON — When Curt Cignetti suggested postgame Saturday that his Indiana football defense might find some uncharacteristic mistakes in its Michigan State film, it felt tangibly harsh.

Fair, given the Hoosiers struggled to break Aidan Chiles’ rhythm, turn the Spartans over or slow their methodical, time-consuming drives that shortened the game so successfully.

But also harsh on a defense now comfortably leading the Big Ten in both sacks and tackles for loss, a unit that through seven games has allowed just six offensive touchdowns, and only four since Week 1.