Michigan State Spartans vs Indiana Hoosiers football

Angelique S. Chengelis, Connor Earegood, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Saturday's Michigan State-Indiana game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing (3:30 p.m., Peacock/760).

▶ Angelique S. Chengelis: The Spartans had a turnover in last week's loss to Michigan and can't afford one if they want to surprise undefeated Indiana. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti told reporters he is optimistic that starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke will be able to return to play at Michigan State following surgery on his right thumb. If Rourke isn't ready, Tayven Jackson would make his second straight start. He threw for 124 yards, a touchdown and an interception and rushed for a score to lead the Hoosiers to victory. Indiana ranks No. 2 nationally in offense (46.5 points per game), No. 6 in total offense (487.6 yards) and No. 1 in red zone scoring (44). Pick: Indiana, 28-10

▶ Connor Earegood: The Spartans can't change a missed opportunity last week against Michigan, but they can turn the tide and pull off an even bigger upset at home against the 13th-ranked Hoosiers. They'll need that motivation to produce tangible results on the field, because I'm having trouble seeing clear Indiana weaknesses that Michigan State can exploit, especially with Kurtis Rourke expected to play. Cupcake schedule or not, the Hoosiers are dominant on both sides. As much as a win would be a surprise for Jonathan Smith in his first year as head coach, I think the Old Brass Spittoon – a crazy thing for a trophy, by the way – is making a rare trip back to Bloomington this year. Pick: Indiana, 41-27

▶ John Niyo: Indiana hasn't had a really close game this season. And the undefeated Hoosiers' two previous road tests have been less-than-stellar victories – at UCLA and Northwestern. So if Michigan State can make this a four-quarter game, perhaps the Spartan Stadium crowd can make a difference in this game. But the problem Jonathan Smith's team will have is the same one that has plagued the Spartans for much of the last month. There is no pass rush to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and with the Hoosiers getting starter Kurtis Rourke back from injury, that's a problem. Especially if turnovers continue to be a problem for Aidan Chiles and MSU’s offense. Pick: Indiana, 28-20

▶ Bob Wojnowski: The Hoosiers are 8-0 under Curt Cignetti, but have not yet completely passed the authenticity test. They played six home games and the two away games were against UCLA and Northwestern. Their offense is legitimately explosive, ranking second nationally with 46.5 points per game. If QB Kurtis Rourke is ready to go after thumb surgery – Cignetti is “optimistic” – he should have time to overcome MSU's faltering pass rush. Just like last week against Michigan, the Spartans' chances depend on whether Aidan Chiles makes more big throws than big mistakes. The Hoosiers' weak schedule could negatively impact their stats, including their Big Ten-leading 24 sacks. But their offense appears to be genuine and their charming season will continue. Pick: Indiana, 34-23

Leave a Reply Cancel reply