Indiana (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) at No. 18 Michigan State (5-1, 3-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Line: Michigan State by 7. Series record: Michigan State leads 45-16-2. WHAT’S AT STAKE The surprising Spartans can become bowl-eligible with a sixth
Indiana (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) at No. 18 Michigan State (5-1, 3-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
Line: Michigan State by 7.
Series record: Michigan State leads 45-16-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The surprising Spartans can become bowl-eligible with a sixth win, a season after winning just three games. With a win, they would move into a first-place tie in the division with idle No. 6 Ohio State. No. 2 Penn State can move into a tie, too, if it beats No. 19 Michigan Saturday night at home. The Hoosiers need a confidence-boosting win after losing to the Wolverines in overtime following lopsided losses against the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan State’s running game vs. Indiana’s defense. LJ Scott had a career-high 194 yards rushing and Madre London added 74 yards on the ground in last week’s win at Minnesota. The Hoosiers allowed Wolverines RB Karan Higdon to run for 200 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in a 27-20 setback in overtime.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Indiana: RB Morgon Ellison. The freshman is averaging 5-plus yards a carry and the Hoosiers will need to lean on him to keep the Spartans’ offense off the field.
Michigan State: LB Joe Bachie. He leads the team and is among Big Ten leaders with 50 tackles. Five of his tackles have been for losses, including two sacks.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Hoosiers beat Michigan State 24-21 in overtime last season, taking the Old Brass Spittoon trophy home for the first time since 2006. … Indiana will face a fifth ranked team in its first seven games for the first time since 1960. … Michigan State’s Brian Lewerke is averaging nearly 250 yards of offense, including a Big Ten-high 53 yards rushing by a QB.
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