Both teams beat Central Michigan, but MSU lost its other two games, while Indiana upset Oregon on the road. The Hoosiers undefeated season came to a halt against Kentucky in a 51-32 loss. MSU's defense gets the edge, after a solid performance against Notre Dame and the Spartans offensive line could be the difference on offense.
Quarterbacks
Redshirt freshman Stephen Reaves is scheduled to start his third straight game for MSU, even though sophomore Drew Stanton seems to be healthy enough to play. Indiana has senior and Notre Dame transfer Matt LoVecchio calling the plays. Reaves has two starts, Stanton has no starts and LoVecchio started nine games in his first two seasons at Notre Dame. LoVecchio has the experience and the talent.
Advantage: Indiana
Running backs
Indiana has the better running back in sophomore BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is third in the Big Ten in rushing yards, averaging 101 yards per game. However, the two-headed monster at running back for MSU, redshirt freshman Jehuu Caulcrick and junior starter Jason Teague combine for an average of 134 yards per game. MSU has more depth, but Indiana has a definite start in Green-Ellis.
Advantage: Even
Receivers
The Spartan wide receivers are coming around one game and one guy at a time. Last week against Notre Dame, it was sophomore Jerramy Scott, who earned a start against Indiana. Scott caught three balls for 71 yards against the Fighting Irish. Junior Matt Trannon was the No. 1 receiver against Rutgers and junior captain Kyle Brown looked like an All-Big Ten first teamer against Central Michigan. Who will it be this weekend?
Whoever it is, at least MSU has more than one receiver to throw to - Indiana doesn't. Hoosiers senior wide out Courtney Roby has 16 catches on the season, the next player on the list is senior Travis Haney with three.
Advantage: MSU
Offensive line
The MSU offensive line just keeps getting better and better every week. They held tough against a very good Notre Dame line and should not slow down against a suspect Indiana defensive line. The Spartans should be able to run the ball all game long and give Reaves the time he needs in the pocket.
The running game is fairly even and the Hoosiers have given up more sacks. Indiana's group is less experienced than the MSU group and that could be the difference.
Advantage: MSU
Defensive line
The Spartans' defensive line is banged up a little bit, but they had a decent game against Notre Dame. They recorded two sacks and didn't give up a run more than 20 yards. They still need to improve and will get the chance this week against the Hoosiers' offensive line.
The Indiana defensive line is not great, and they are a part of the worst defense in the Big Ten, giving up 481.3 yards per game. So far, they don't seem to be holding up too well under the pressure offenses have been throwing at them.
Advantage: MSU
Linebackers
Now that the dust has settled, MSU has senior captain Ronald Stanley and sophomore David Herron Jr. starting at linebacker, along with redshirt freshman Kaleb Thornhill and senior captain Tyrell Dortch, who switch in and out at the third spot bandit/linebacker.
Meanwhile, the Indiana corps appears to be more experienced, listing two juniors and a senior on their depth chart. One junior is Paul Szczesny - a junior college transfer - and Kevin Smith, the lone senior, has started only 12 games. Stanley has more starts by himself than the Hoosiers' group combined. He's the difference.
Advantage: MSU
Defensive backs
Indiana's right cornerback is a freshman and their left cornerback's name is Buster (Larkins).
The group consisting of senior Jason Harmon, senior Roderick Maples, junior Eric Smith and junior Jaren Hayes is solid. Smith leads the team in tackles. Plus, MSU will only have to account for Roby on most passing downs.
Advantage: MSU
Special teams
Senior place-kicker Dave Rayner is struggling with his field goal kicking, but he still has a very strong leg, nailing a 46-yarder against Notre Dame. Sophomore punter Brandon Fields has shown just how strong his leg is in the first three games of the season, grabbing the top spot in the nation in average punting yards but slipping to No. 2 this week.
Senior kick returner DeAndra Cobb got his fourth career kickoff return for touchdown against Notre Dame and will look for more against Indiana.
Indiana's Lance Bennett has a kickoff return for touchdown this year, but the Hoosiers does not have as good of a kicking game as MSU.
Advantage: MSU
Coaching
MSU head coach John L. Smith talked all week about sticking together and not pointing fingers after a tough loss. Indiana head coach Gerry DiNardo is a good coach but has not had the success Smith has had in his career. DiNardo hasn't had a winning season since 1997 at Louisiana State. Smith gets the edge for career achievements.
Advantage: MSU
