Detroit News predictions: Michigan State vs. Indiana

The Detroit News
Cody White leads Michigan State with 14 receptions.

Matt Charboneau, Angelique S. Chengelis, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer their predictions on the outcome of Saturday's Michigan State vs. Indiana game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. (7:30 p.m., BTN/760 AM).

Matt Charboneau: The Hoosiers are looking to beat Michigan State at home for the second straight meeting and are riding high after finishing conference play unbeaten. They’ve been efficient offensively while the defense has improved under Tom Allen. The Spartans, on the other hand, are searching for offensive consistency while the defense has struggled against the pass. It won’t be easy, but MSU’s run defense will be the difference and the offense takes enough steps to open Big Ten play with a win. Michigan State, 31-20

Angelique S. Chengelis: This isn't going to be easy for Michigan State, playing another road night game. The Spartans are coming off a bye and perhaps they were able to address some of their offensive issues, which need to get resolved. Brian Lewerke is still the key to the offensive operation but can the line get it together? The defense, tough against the run, needs to find a way to limit passing yardage. This will be close but the Spartans will prevail. Michigan State, 17-10

John Niyo: Michigan State needed a bye week to catch its breath after getting lost in the desert. But this Big Ten opener could be another nightmare if the Spartans get careless with turnovers or get sloppy on special teams. Michigan State, 28-24

Bob Wojnowski: The Spartans should be refreshed after a bye, and they’ll need to be. Indiana can run the ball, and freshman Stevie Scott has been sensational. This will be a test for the Spartans’ staunch run defense, and if they shut down Scott, they win. The Hoosiers are 3-0, playing under the lights at home and looking like they might be legitimate. But Michigan State has the big-play receivers that Indiana lacks, and they’ll be the narrow difference. Michigan State, 27-24

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