(Video courtesy StateCollegeDotCom)
Indiana (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten) at Penn State (6-4, 4-2)
Kickoff: Saturday, Noon ET (Big Ten Network)
Spread: Penn State by 18.5.
Watchability: The Nittany Lions had the leading rusher, passer and receiver last week against Nebraska, but were undone due to one of the worst calls of the season. Penn State has proven it can hang with any of the top teams in the Big Ten. But Indiana limps into the matchup after getting routed by Wisconsin in a game that could have given the Hoosiers the inside track to the Big Ten title game. This could get ugly.
Shining stars: Indiana -- RB Stephen Houston must regain his role as a primary offensive option. He has rushed for 583 yards and nine touchdowns and has 23 catches for 196 yards and three scores. The junior touched the ball a just seven times in a 62-14 loss last week to Wisconsin. That won’t cut it against Penn State. Penn State -- QB Matt McGloin is on pace to break the school’s single-season passing record. The former walk-on has completed 60.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,676 yards and 19 touchdowns against four interceptions. He's also ran for five scores. The Nittany Lions' attack begins and ends with him.
Who could steal the show: Indiana -- DB Greg Heban has emerged as one of the top playmakers on defense. The former walk-on has a team-high 72 tackles, including seven for loss, to go with a sack. Heban also has two interceptions and eight passes defended. Penn State -- DT Jordan Hill is making a case to be a first-round NFL Draft pick in April. Hill (6-foot-1, 292 pounds) commands double teams on nearly every play, and he has 50 tackles, including five for loss. Hill also has 2.5 sacks and an interception. It's crucial for Penn State that he generates a consistent rush against Indiana’s quick passing game.
Magic number for Indiana: 7.3. Tackles for loss per game for the Hoosiers, tying them with Michigan for the top spot in the Big Ten. Indiana averages 2.4 sacks per game.
Magic number for Penn State: 1. A catch for WR Allen Robinson and he breaks the school’s all-time single-season record held by former standout WRs Bobby Engram and O.J. McDuffie. Robinson has 63 catches for 786 yards and eight touchdowns.
The game comes down to: Can Indiana slow Penn State? The Nittany Lions have scored at least 23 points in eight straight games and have one of the top offenses in the conference. The Hoosiers have an improved defense, but are ranked 97th nationally, allowing more than 445 yards per game and have allowed at least 21 points in six of their past eight games. Indiana must pressure McGloin and keep Penn State’s offense guessing with disguised blitzes.
Prediction: Penn State 41, Indiana 27
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen