Preview: Michigan State Spartans at Indiana Hoosiers

Unless the Hoosiers can find a way to stop the run, Spartans' Le'Veon Bell will have a field day against them.

By Dave Carey

Oct 2, 2012 at 9:02 pm ET • 1 min read

(Video courtesy IUAthletics)

Michigan State (3-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at Indiana (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)

Spread: Michigan State by 15.5

Watchability: It’s the speeding car against the immovable object: Indiana is ranked 17th in the country in total offense, averaging 510 yards per game. Meantime, the Spartans are ranked ninth in the country in total defense, yielding just 263.4 yards per game.

Shining stars: Michigan State: RB Le'Veon Bell is coming off one of the worst starts of his career. Bell had a mere 45 yards on 17 carries in a loss to Ohio State last week. This season, the former Heisman Trophy candidate has 655 yards and five touchdowns on 134 carries to go with 20 catches for 125 yards. Indiana: RB Stephen Houston isn’t getting the number of touches a player of his ability commands. Houston has gained 255 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries to go with 10 catches for 87 yards. He has reached the end zone in each game this season.

Who could steal the show: Michigan State: LB Max Bullough has leads the team with 38 tackles, including 21 solo stops. The junior also has 3.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups. He will have his hands full trying to contain the Indiana spread attack. Indiana: DL Adam Replogle is emerging as the anchor of the team’s defense. The senior has started the last 35 games and is tied for the team lead with 28 tackles. Replogle also has 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks this season.

Magic number for Michigan State: 13. Big Ten wins for the Spartans since 2010 -- the most of any school in the league.

Magic number for Indiana: 6. Years since the Hoosiers beat Michigan State. The 46-21 win was also on homecoming in Bloomington.

The game comes down to: Can the Hoosiers stop the run? Michigan State can control the tempo and keep Indiana’s offense off the field simply by running the ball. The Hoosiers are 103rd nationally in rush defense, giving up a whopping 213.5 yards per game. Bell should have a field day and help the Spartans secure a victory.

Prediction: Michigan State 30, Indiana 17

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.