Q: After seeing the tough loss to Arizona State then improvements that led to a win on the rode against Northwestern, how will Indiana prepare for the defensive and now offensive challenge?

A: While Brian Lewerke looked better last weekend throwing a trio of touchdowns against Northwestern, I still think the Hoosiers main concern needs to be on slowing down talented running back Elijah Collins. Collins did not have his best game last weekend, but still had a solid showing with 17 carries for 76 rushing yards. With Tom Allen's 4-2-5 scheme, the Hoosiers can sometimes be vulnerable to a downhill rushing attack, like when J.K. Dobbins rushed for 193 yards against the Hoosiers just a few weeks ago. It’s cliché, but I really do think the running game will play a huge factor in the outcome on both sides of the ball. My bet is that Allen and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack load the box to try to take away Collins, trusting a mix of experienced and young but talented defensive backs not to break down. On the other side of the ball, even if (Michael) Penix plays and is able to stretch the field to keep Michigan State from having eight or nine — heck, Ohio State disrespected Ramsey’s deep ball so much they often had ten men within five yards of the line of scrimmage on most plays — I don’t think IU will be able to get enough push up front to have any sort of success on the ground.

Q: Who had been a surprise player this season on the Indiana roster? Who should Spartan fans look out for?

A: Sophomore tight end Peyton Hendershot has been a really pleasant surprise for IU this season. With a lot of hype surrounding IU’s receivers and running backs in the preseason, Hendershot was easily overlooked. But after being almost a liability in the passing game last season, the Hoosier native has 18 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns, leading IU in all three categories. Hendershot is dangerous in all three levels of the passing game, and is especially dangerous in the middle of the field.

Q: Big game for the Spartans as its their homecoming game. Will this excitement affect Indiana’s players, being its first road game this season?

A: Traveling to Spartan Stadium will be an interesting experience for IU’s first true road game. The Hoosiers are a very young team, especially on defense, and it will be very intriguing to see how the young D reacts to playing in a foreign environment. It will also be fun to watch how Penix reacts, if he plays. It would be Penix’s first start in a true road game, and making that first start against 75,000 fans screaming at you will be extremely different than anything else the redshirt freshman has experienced in his football life. Expect the Spartan crowd to have some sort of an impact Saturday afternoon.

Q: Last season the Hoosiers fought for a comeback scoring the first 14 points in the fourth quarter, but they weren’t able to finish the game. How will this game differ or be similar?

A: I see this game being more like the 2016 and 2017 matchups rather than what happened last year, and that’s mainly because I think both offenses are going to struggle mightily throughout the afternoon. That 2017 game was especially ugly, as IU actually lead MSU 9-3 going into the final quarter and the first touchdown of the contest wasn’t scored until there were six minutes left in the game. While I don’t expect IU to have a fourth quarter lead, it is not out of the question if Penix is starting; however, like in 2017, Michigan State will be the heavy favorite to be the team making plays late in the game, not the Hoosiers.

Q: Score prediction and why.

A: I have the Spartans winning 17-13. Everything about this matchup leads me to believe it is going to be a low scoring, defensive battle. Michigan State's front seven has been dominant defensively, and IU has struggled on the offensive line this season. To make matters worse for the Hoosiers, their best offensive lineman (Senior Coy Cronk) suffered a gruesome ankle injury against UConn last week and is out for the season. IU also has questions at the quarterback position, as redshirt freshman starter Michael Penix Jr. missed his second straight game last week with an undisclosed injury. Penix is a dual threat quarterback with a big arm that is great at throwing the ball vertically. While the backup Peyton Ramsey has started in previous seasons and is known for his accuracy, he lacks the deep ball touch needed to spread out the Spartan defense. Head Coach Tom Allen said on Monday that Penix will be a game time decision on Saturday. If Penix plays, the Hoosiers have a puncher's chance for an upset.