While some fans and analysts spent Sunday questioning Jonathan Smith’s job security, the Michigan State head coach went straight back to work.

A day after a disappointing 38-13 homecoming loss to UCLA that marked their third consecutive defeat, the team’s internal routine continued without disruption.

“We have to play better,” Smith said Monday. “I look at us as coaches, myself first. We need to get this team performing to its potential, and that didn’t happen Saturday. We’re looking at the reasons for that and considering possible changes — in schemes, practice methods, personnel, and overall approach. I thought Sunday went really well, and now we have to move forward knowing what’s ahead.”

Michigan State (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) travels for what may be its toughest matchup yet against No. 3 Indiana (6-0, 3-0) on Saturday (3:30 p.m., Peacock). The Hoosiers breezed through an easy nonconference slate, crushed then-No. 9 Illinois 63-10, and followed with a 30-20 win over previously undefeated Oregon — possibly their biggest win ever.

The difference between the two second-year programs is stark, with Indiana favored by more than 25 points. Michigan State now faces the challenge of rebounding from arguably the lowest point of Smith’s tenure.

“Call it poor execution sometimes, or guys trying too hard to make a big play and stepping out of position — and we got exposed for it,” Smith said. “Players have been taking ownership. We also changed how we watched film — the offense reviewed it together as one group instead of by position. That really helped with accountability.”

After losing to USC, Michigan State used its bye week to adjust but returned with a sloppy 38-27 loss at Nebraska. The defense opened strong against UCLA with a three-and-out, and quarterback Aidan Chiles led a touchdown drive to start — their fifth in six games — before things unraveled.

“Again, we’re confident in our people and our process,” Smith said. “That doesn’t mean we’re stubborn — we’re willing to tweak things and adapt. We want to stay strong but flexible in how we adjust to help the team reach its potential.”

The Spartans’ situation is already tough, and Chiles’ health only complicates matters. He remains questionable for the Indiana game after a helmet-to-helmet hit ended his UCLA outing. If he can’t play, redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic will make his first start after appearing late in the last two games.

Chiles’ play has also declined over the past two weeks — facing heavy pressure and frequent hits — as Michigan State’s once-dangerous passing game has faltered.

“I think his confidence has taken a hit,” Smith said. “It’s not just on the line; it’s about all 10 other guys executing. Schematically, we need to help him too. The opponents and environments have challenged us, and we haven’t matched that. The last two games have been a step back from the first few.

“Our job is to get him back on track. I keep coming back to simplifying things — on both sides of the ball — so his talent can shine.”

Michigan State has missed bowl games for three straight years, and breaking that streak now looks uncertain. The Spartans need three more wins, with remaining games against Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Penn State, Iowa, and Maryland — all teams with multiple losses. Smith is emphasizing the opportunity those six contests still provide.

“We’ve got to fix some things, no question,” Smith said. “We have to improve — but there’s still a lot of football left.”