When Indiana beat Missouri back in September, there was real hope that Kevin Wilson had finally turned Indiana into a contender to make a bowl game. Wilson has always had a high-powered offense, but defense has held the Hoosiers back in recent years. However, the Missouri game showed some real potential from that unit. But since then, things have gone downhill, as the Hoosiers were blown out by both Maryland and Iowa.
How to watch Michigan State vs. Indiana: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Does a converted linebacker making his first start ever at quarterback have a chance against Michigan State?
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Now, things have gotten even worse for the offense, as quarterback Nate Sudfeld is out for the year. After trying out converted linebacker Chris Covington against Iowa, IU will be burning the redshirt of true freshman Zander Diamont, who will start against the Spartans.
Still, Michigan State learned last week that it can’t take bad Indiana teams for granted. The Spartans squeaked out a win against Purdue and are looking for a much more comfortable result this week. Given the circumstances surrounding the game they should probably get it.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Our sites on these teams
The numbers
Rankings and records: Michigan State is 5-1, and the Spartans are ranked sixth in the Coaches Poll and eighth in the AP Poll. Indiana is 3-3 and unranked.
Vegas: Michigan State opened as a 14-point favorite and is now a 14.5-point favorite. The over/under is 58.
Weather forecast: Partly cloudy with a high of 59 and a low of 39.
Two things at stake
The Old Brass Spittoon! Go B1G!
Michigan State can’t afford a loss here if it wants to make the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Indiana will need some upsets somewhere to make a bowl game. Might as well try to start on Saturday.
One big matchup
Indiana passing game vs. Michigan State defense: Indiana has to play arguably the best defense in the Big Ten in Zander Diamont’s first game. That is not ideal. Tevin Coleman, a dark horse Heisman contender who might be the nation’s best running back, will help him out a lot. However, IU is going to have to pass the ball a little bit in order to win this game. It doesn’t seem likely that the Hoosiers will have much success with that, but hey, Hoosiers offensive coordinator Kevin Johns says Diamont has “a little Johnny Manziel in him,” so if that’s the case, watch out, Spartans.
Further reading
Read The Crimson Quarry for more on Indiana and The Only Colors for more on Michigan State.
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