Predicting the Final Score of Indiana vs. Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
What was already going to be a daunting task for Indiana got much worse in the wake of last week’s 45-29 loss to Iowa. Earlier this week, Hoosiers coach Kevin Wilson announced starting quarterback Nate Sudfield would be sidelined for the rest of the season with a separation of his non-throwing shoulder.
That means Indiana (3-3, 0-2) will have to rely on one of two freshmen as either Chris Covington or Zander Diamont will get the starting nod against visiting Michigan State on Saturday. Covington appeared in the Iowa game in relief of Sudfield, but went just three for 12 for 31 yards and was intercepted twice — not exactly encouraging numbers staring down the barrel at probably the best defense on Indiana’s schedule.
What the Hoosiers do have is the nation’s leading rusher in Tevin Coleman, who ran wild again last week in churning out 219 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries. That performance inflated his average to a whopping 8.83 yards per carry — also tops in the country.
But with one of two inexperienced players filling in at quarterback, it’s going to be awfully difficult for Coleman to keep that kind of average up, especially against the country’s fifth-ranked rushing defense (81.5 yards per game). On top of Indiana’s one dimensionality, the Spartans (5-1, 2-0) yielded 31 points and 390 yards to Purdue last week and should come into Saturday in an even more salty mood than usual.
On the other side of the ball, Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford has surged as of late and is working on a streak of three-straight 100-yard performances. And while quarterback Connor Cook may not put up the accumulative numbers as some of his peers who are running spread, air-raid offenses, he is 14th in the country in passing efficiency at 158.9 and boasts a 13-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
If one of the Hoosiers’ young signal callers is looking for a win early in his tenure, there’s always next week at Michigan. But, as for Indiana beating the Wolverines’ in-state rival? Not a chance — Sparty still looks to be the class of the Big 10 by far.
Prediction: Michigan State 39, Indiana 12
Ryan Pritt is a NASCAR writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @RPritt, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Notre Dame Glad To Have Sheldon Day Back Next Year
DL Sheldon Day has decided to return to Notre Dame next year, where he will anchor a defense that could return 10 starters in 2015. Find out more here. Read More
Wheatley is Perfect Hire for Michigan
Another former Michigan football great is coming home. Tyrone Wheatley is another spectacular hire for Michigan. What will he be doing as he returns to his alma mater? Read More
Running Backs Crucial for Ohio State, Oregon
While the starting quarterbacks will play a large role in Monday's College Football Playoff Championship Game, there's another position that could have a huge influence on how the game is won. Read More
Carrington Suspension Hurts, Won't Break Ducks
Oregon could have really used Darren Carrington in the title game against Ohio State, but his suspension will not break the Ducks. Read More
Braxton Miller Should Stay Put at Ohio State
Rumors are circulating that Braxton Miller will be transferring from Ohio State but his best course of action would be to stay where he is. Read More
Mia Khalifa Makes FSU Pitch to Braxton Miller
If Braxton Miller needed any more motivation to transfer to Florida State, Mia Khalifa just gave it to him. Read More
10 Biggest Disappointments From CFB Bowl Season
There is no doubt about it: The SEC was the most disappointing conference during bowl season. Read More
Oregon Football's Don Pellum Deserves Spotlight
The first-year DC for the Ducks is the unsung coaching hero on Oregon’s flight to the CFB Championship Game. Read More
Hill Making Right Move to Transfer From A&M
Texas A&M QB Kenny Hill is making the right move by transferring, as he could certainly use a fresh start. Read More
5 Football Recruits Notre Dame Hopes To Sign
With a little less than a month until Signing Day, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will look to build off their bowl victory and close the 2015 recruiting class on a high note. Read More
Mariota Will Be Key for Oregon in Title Game
Saying that Marcus Mariota will be the key in the College Football Playoff Championship Game is stating the obvious. Read More
College Football Bowl Season's 10 Biggest Winners
It’s not just about the schools and teams that are winning, but also about the business of college football. Read More