In this Week 7 NCAAF Preview I’ll be covering Michigan State as they travel to Indiana to face off against the Indiana Hoosiers; two Big Ten schools each trending in different directions. I’ll be touching on how I believe both teams could come out victorious, three players to watch out for during the game, and who I believe will win this matchup. I’ll start with the visiting Michigan State Spartans.
Michigan State
The Spartans are off to a 6-0 start, their best start jn the NCAAF since 2015. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing to start their 2021-2022 campaign.
The Spartans have already had some close calls; narrowly escaping the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 23-20 win in OT. They also allowed Rutgers to hang around most of the game in their matchup, before pulling away late and winning 31-13.
For Michigan State to come out victorious, I believe it will be on the shoulders of Junior running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker has had a great start to the season. Through six games he’s rushed for 913 yards on 129 carries. Add in his nine touchdowns and he’s planted himself as an early Heisman Trophy candidate. Needless to say, if he stays hot Indiana could end up in a world of trouble.
There’s an underrated product on this Spartan offense – quarterback Payton Thorne. Thorne has thrown for 1,575 and 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions. His play has improved each week this season. If he can continue playing smart with the football and utilizing his weapons efficiently, this Spartan offense will continue to be lethal.
My second Player to Watch is none other than Junior WR Jalen Nailor. Nailor has put together a solid start to the season, highlighted by two really good games. He caught eight passes for 128 yards against Western Kentucky, followed by a monstrous game where he had five receptions for 221 yards and three touchdowns against Rutgers.
The Spartan’s identity this season has been on offense, because quite frankly, this is a bad defensive football team. The Spartans rank outside of the top-50 in the NCAAF in total defense, 49th in turnovers, and 35th in rushing yards allowed. The lone bright spot on defense is Senior DE Jacob Panasiuk. He has a total of 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Will he be enough to lead this Spartan defense to glory against the Indiana Hoosiers?
Indiana
At 2-3, how much worse can it get for the Hoosiers? Quarterback Michael Penix Jr has a separated throwing shoulder and is out indefinitely’ thus forcing Junior Jack Tuttle into the lineup. With the Spartans offense clicking, will he be able to keep the Hoosiers in the ball game?
It seems the Hoosiers offense relies entirely on the back of Senior RB Stephen Carr. If the Hoosiers want any chance to shock the Spartans, it all lies with him. Carr only has 386 rushing yards on 102 carries. But to be fair half of the game the Hoosiers have played this season have been against Top-10 NCAAF opponents.
One good thing the Hoosiers offense does is spread the ball around to all of their receivers. No one has really taken over in the receiving department, as each game seems to have a different receiver step up. This could be a key factor if the Hoosiers are able to win this game.
The bright spot on the defensive side of the ball is without a doubt their front seven. Between the team’s three best defensive players, they have accounted for 83 total tackles, 6 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Can these three anchor the defense and stop the red hot Spartan offense?
Predictions
- Nailor continues hot start (6 receptions 110 Yards 1 TD)
- MSU Passing game takes over they pass for 200 yards rushing for 100
- Stephen Carr keeps Indiana in it (250 all-purpose yards)
- Indiana’s 3-headed monster has a good game (10 tackles 2.5 sacks)
Final Score: MSU Wins 24-14
