Free Press sports writers predict the winners of Michigan State football’s game against Indiana as the two longtime rivals battle for the Old Brass Spittoon. The Spartans will attempt to get the trophy back this Saturday in Bloomington, Ind.
Michigan State at Indiana, noon, FS1
Chris Solari
Expect Allen to have the Hoosiers’ defense prepared for Walker, in the same way Greg Schiano and Rutgers did in the first half last a week ago. That should leave room for Thorne and his receivers to exploit the banged-up secondary, especially if MSU’s defense applies pressure throughout to wear down Tuttle. The pick: Michigan State 30, Indiana 17
THE GAME: Michigan State at Indiana: Scouting report, prediction
Rainer Sabin
Indiana was the Big Ten’s surprise team in 2020. This year, it’s Michigan State. The rise of the Spartans and the decline of Hoosiers sets the stage for a game that Michigan State is now expected to win. The Spartans have already tallied three road victories this season. They should add another Saturday and avenge the 24-0 defeat Indiana handed them last year. The pick: Michigan State 28, Indiana 17
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Jeff Seidel
The Spartans have everything rolling. Try to stop Kenneth Walker III? Payton Thorne will light you up with a play-action pass. It doesn’t matter who starts at quarterback for Indiana, the Hoosiers’ offense has been a disappointment and will not be able to generate much of a threat against MSU. The Spartans will stay undefeated. The pick: Michigan State 31, Indiana 21
Shawn Windsor
The Hoosiers quarterback situation is in flux and even if Michael Penix can play — he had a shoulder injury — these aren’t last year’s Hoosiers. MSU stays focused enough to get to U-M undefeated. The pick: Michigan State 27, Indiana 23
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Predicting Michigan State football vs. Indiana Hoosiers game