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Michigan State Football: Can the offense keep rolling vs. Indiana?

By Stephen Robb

BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 22: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to throw the ball under pressure from Charles Campbell #93 and Nile Sykes #35 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - SEPTEMBER 22: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to throw the ball under pressure from Charles Campbell #93 and Nile Sykes #35 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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It’s homecoming for Michigan State football and it hosts an Indiana squad that has many question marks. Can the Spartans keep the offense rolling?

These two teams may have the same 3-1 record, but Michigan State and Indiana are in different positions heading into this matchup.

It was reported this week that Indiana lost its starting left tackle which was terrible news for the Hoosiers considering there is still a quarterback competition going between incumbent junior Peyton Ramsey and freshman Michael Penix Jr. The Hoosiers have feasted on subpar competition but were blown out by Ohio State.

Both Hoosier quarterbacks have had their great moments, but neither has seized the reins.

Indiana has stellar sophomore running back Stevie Scott is back again and burning teams. However, he was only able to muster nine yards on six carries against the Buckeyes. Another weapon for Indiana is tight end Peyton Hendershot, he had a huge play against OSU and will be a matchup problem for the Spartans.

Here’s how you can watch online:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Spartan Stadium
TV: BTN
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

Indiana has an experienced set of receivers with senior Donavan Hale and junior Whop Philyor. If the Spartan defensive line is able to control the line of scrimmage (they should) then they’ll plug up the running game and then it will be up to whichever Indiana quarterback to make plays with their feet. MSU will have to be gap disciplined in order to corral these running quarterbacks.

Offensively, Brian Lewerke needs to make sure he builds confidence early on. Sure, establishing the run game will be important, but the offense will go only as far as Lewerke takes it. The run will aid him, but he needs to establish confidence with some deep shots early on like he did against Western Michigan and it led to a big game.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada

Line: Michigan State -14
Over/Under: 44

dark. Next. MSU Basketball: Breaking down loaded 2019-20 roster

Prediction

Spartan fans do want to witness another Arizona State fiasco. Unless Michigan State is caught looking ahead to Ohio State then they should notch another win for 2019. The Northwestern game did give me renewed faith in the offense and its potential.

Final Score: Indiana 14, Michigan State 27

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