Indiana @ Michigan State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 18, 2014 ) Michigan State 56, Indiana 17

Fourth-ranked Michigan State is fortunate to be unbeaten and looks to extend its winning streak to 12 consecutive games when it hosts Indiana in Big Ten play on Saturday. The Spartans are coming off a dramatic win for the ages against Michigan when Wolverines punter Blake O'Neill mishandled a snap and Michigan State's Jalen Watts-Jackson caught his fumble and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown and a 27-23 victory as time expired.

The Spartans are looking for their first 8-0 start since 2010 and are tied with top-ranked Ohio State for first place in the Big Ten's East Division. Michigan State pounded Indiana 56-17 last season and coach Mark Dantonio is guarding against a letdown after the epic manner in which his squad avoided a defeat against Michigan. "Obviously, the worst thing we can do is fall backwards here, so we need to continue to move forward," Dantonio said at a press conference. "Our dreams are ahead of us, and they start this Saturday, so I think our players will be ready to play." Indiana has lost three straight games, including blowing a 25-point lead in a 55-52 loss to Rutgers last Saturday, and is hoping standout running back Jordan Howard (709 yards) will return after missing the past two-plus games.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN2. LINE: Michigan State -16.5.

ABOUT INDIANA (4-3, 0-3 Big Ten): Senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld passed for a career-best 464 yards and matched his personal high of four touchdown passes in the shootout against Rutgers, and he has thrown for 1,741 yards and 11 touchdowns against three interceptions. Sophomore running back Devine Redding (413 yards) will again start if Howard can't play and junior receiver Ricky Jones has three 100-yard performances this season while catching 32 passes for 624 yards. Sophomore weak-side linebacker Marcus Oliver has a team-best 61 tackles and three forced fumbles, senior defensive end Nick Mangieri has a team-leading seven sacks and freshman strong safety Jonathan Crawford has a team-high two interceptions.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (7-0, 3-0): Senior quarterback Connor Cook is 30-3 as a starter, has passed for 1,672 yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions this season, and his 61 career touchdown passes are one behind second-place Jeff Smoker (2000-03) in school history. Senior receiver Aaron Burbridge is having a huge season with 44 catches for 702 yards and four touchdowns, while redshirt freshman running back Madre London (399 yards) is expected back from a foot injury to split the ball-carrying duties with freshman LJ Scott (434 yards). Senior defensive end Shilique Calhoun has a team-best seven sacks and ranks fifth in school history with 23.5, while junior middle linebacker Riley Bullough has a team-best 62 tackles.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan State has won 15 of the past 17 meetings and holds a 44-15-2 series edge.

2. Sudfeld has thrown 45 career touchdown passes, three off the school mark held by Kellen Lewis (2006-08).

3. Watts-Jackson was injured on his famous return and underwent season-ending hip surgery the following day.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 41, Indiana 24