Indiana @ Michigan State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 27, 2008 ) Michigan State 42, Indiana 29

THE STORY: On Senior Day at Spartan Stadium, No. 12 Michigan State continues to control its own destiny in a tight Big Ten Legends Division race. The Spartans have a one-game lead over both Michigan and Nebraska and close their season out with games against two of the bottom-feeders in the conference — Indiana and Northwestern. The Hoosiers are riding a seven-game losing streak and haven’t beaten an FBS opponent all season, although they did show some signs of life in a loss at Ohio State last weekend. Michigan State has won its last three home matchups with Indiana by an average of 28 points.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network Line: Michigan State -28

ABOUT INDIANA (1-9, 0-6 Big Ten): Since a 38-21 win against South Carolina State, the Hoosiers have dropped seven straight, including the last five by at least 14 points. There were some encouraging developments in last week’s 34-20 loss at Ohio State, though. Sophomore wide receiver Kofi Hughes recorded career highs with eight receptions for 147 yards, and true freshman quarterback Tre Roberson accounted for 244 yards of total offense. The Hoosiers were actually tied at 20 with the Buckeyes late in the third quarter.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten): Kirk Cousins will play his final home game, and the fifth-year quarterback is the leader of the winningest senior class in Michigan State history. The Holland, Mich., native ranks first in school history in passing efficiency (145.2), and he’s currently ninth nationally among active quarterbacks with 24 career victories. Wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, Cousins’ favorite target and also a fifth-year senior, is fourth in the Big Ten with 87.3 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Michigan State has been ranked in the USA Today Top 25 poll for 25 consecutive weeks, the longest streak for the school since the rankings were first released in 1991.

2. Indiana has dropped 11 of the last 13 meetings in this series, dating back to 1994. The Hoosiers haven’t won in East Lansing since 2001.

3. The Spartans are 3-1 on Senior Day under coach Mark Dantonio.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 38, Indiana 10. The Hoosiers won’t put up much of a fight, leaving the Spartans one win shy of a Legends Division title.