No. 10 Indiana tries for 4-0 Big Ten start against Spartans
By The Associated Press - Nov. 12, 2020 03:37 PM EST
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) is tackled by Michigan defensive back Vincent Gray (4) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) is tackled by Michigan defensive back Vincent Gray (4) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) drops back to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 38-21. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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No. 10 Indiana (3-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Michigan State (1-2, 1-2), Saturday at 12:06 p.m. EST (ABC).

Line: Indiana by 7.

Series record: Michigan State leads 48-16-2.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Indiana enters the game with its highest ranking since 1969 and can achieve its first 4-0 Big Ten start since 1987. Michigan State is trying to rebound after a 49-7 loss to Iowa. The Spartans have had their ups and downs already this season, but they've shown they can move the ball if they avoid turnovers.

KEY MATCHUP

Michigan State's receivers against Indiana's secondary. Ricky White and Jalen Nailor are both averaging over 20 yards a catch, and the Spartans' best shot at an upset this week might be for those two to have a big day and turn this into a high-scoring game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Indiana: QB Michael Penix Jr. is third in the Big Ten with seven touchdown passes and has just one interception.

Michigan State: DE Jacub Panasiuk has started 26 consecutive games, although he does not have a sack yet this season.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Hoosiers have won four straight conference games and eight of their last 10. ... Michigan State has won eight consecutive games over Indiana in Spartan Stadium and 10 of the last 11 overall in the series. ... Indiana has had a takeaway in 32 of its last 34 games. ... Michigan State is 10-10 in its last 20 games against AP top-10 teams. ... Michigan State and Indiana play for the Old Brass Spittoon. The Hoosiers have won this game just five times since 1987, not including a 1994 forfeit. ... Rocky Lombardi was the first Michigan State QB since Jeff Smoker in 2003 to throw for more than 300 yards in the first two games of the season. The streak ended last weekend.

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