Pick up game: TOC makes Week 8 predictions

Michigan State is headed back home after two weeks on the road to take on the Indiana Hoosiers. Since they were last in East Lansing, the Spartans improved to 5-1 and have found a spot within the AP top 25.

Indiana doesn’t have an overly impressive record, 3-3 with all three losses coming in conference, but the Hoosiers have given plenty of trouble to both Michigan and Ohio State. The Spartans are looking for payback after the overtime loss on the road last year to Indiana.

MSU will likely start the game without star rusher LJ Scott, who ran into legal trouble during the week. But with Scott struggling with fumbling issues earlier in the year, the Spartans have gotten used to rushing without Scott. They will, likely depend on quarterback Brian Lewerke to carry the team early on before Scott returns.

At home, the Spartans are expected to win. A loss to Indiana would not only drop the Spartans out of the AP top 25, but would put their strong bowl position into limbo. The Only Colors staff makes their choice on who will win the MSU game, along with the rest of the Big Ten games.

Matt Sheehan

Michigan State 23, Indiana 20

If Peyton Ramsey is indeed the starting QB for Indiana, we need to let him beat us with his arm. And also lay the absolute wood on him whenever he runs. Last week against UM he got knocked around pretty good and was reluctant to keep the ball on read options -- I can only assume getting blasted by the front seven was in the back of his mind during those decisions. So let's unleash the defense on him (I'm assuming the MSU coaching staff reads these).

What makes me nervous about Indiana? Simmie Cobbs. The fact they've been battle tested against the Big Ten already. And Simmie Cobbs again. What makes me nervous about MSU? The run game -- who's healthy, who can play, etc. And I hope Lewerke can find his groove in the passing game after back-to-back games in rainforest weather.

Wisconsin over Maryland

Iowa over Northwestern

Purdue over Rutgers

Minnesota over Illinois

Michigan over Penn State

Matt Hoeppner

Michigan State 24 Indiana 13

While I could see this game being a bit of a concern after the way last week's game ended, I think the Spartans should take care of business fairly easily. First off it is a home game, the first since knocking off Michigan two weeks ago, and the crowd and team will be pumped to be back in East Lansing. Also, MSU completely controlled the first three quarters of the game in Minnesota, so while the finish to the game was alarming, it feels like the Spartans played a pretty solid game overall.

Indiana took Michigan to overtime last week, with a similar comeback to the one the Spartans faced in Minnesota. But I just don't think the Hoosiers offense is good enough to put up enough points against MSU's defense, and the MSU offense looks like it's starting to get things going in the running game, which is a great sign. This game will be within a score for most of the time but the Spartans eventually put it away late to stay perfect in conference play.

Wisconsin over Maryland

Iowa over Northwestern

Purdue over Rutgers

Minnesota over Illinois

Penn State over Michigan

Ryan O’Bleness

Michigan State 31, Indiana 17

Michigan State is the superior team here. Indiana does two things very poorly on defense -- stop the run and force turnovers. Michigan State runs the ball well and should control the trenches and the clock. With L.J. Scott now confirmed to play on Saturday, I don't think Indiana will be able to stop him with London and Holmes (who is banged up) mixing in.

Indiana's redshirt freshman quarterback, Peyton Ramsey, is a bit of a dual threat who can make plays. However, he's going to be tested in his first road start against an extremely tough defense. Simmie Cobbs Jr. is a great receiver, so the secondary will need to shore up its mistakes from last week. If the Spartans get up by a lot, then the defense can't let up. MSU also needs keep the ball away from J-Shun Harris on special teams and avoid turnovers. Indiana only has four takeaways all season. There's no reason to give them extra opportunities. I think MSU will do all of this and take care of business.

Purdue vs.Rutgers

Iowa vs. Northwestern

Maryland vs. Wisconsin

Illinois vs. Minnesota

Michigan vs. Penn State

McLain Moberg

Michigan State 28, Indiana 17

I think we will see the Spartans back in top form at 3:30 p.m. today. MSU finally has a mid-day game and it's not storming so Mark Dantonio along with Dave Warner are actually going to have the opportunity to open up the play-calling. Which will help showcase Brian Lewerke's arm (something that has been missing from this offense due to weather conditions against Michigan and Minnesota).

I'm sure everyone has read up on the LJ Scott situation but good news is he will be in the starting lineup after having his best game of the season last week. He rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Let's hope he gives us more of the same against Indiana minus the late game fumble.

I know everyone was freaking out a bit when the MSU defense decided to go AWOL in the fourth quarter, giving up three touchdowns to the same receiver (Tyler Johnson) with 10 or so minutes left in the game. While unfortunate and annoying in the moment, it's likely not going to happen this time. I didn't see anything that couldn't be fixed or tightened up at practice prior to kick off.

Wisconsin over Maryland

Northwestern over Iowa

Purdue over Rutgers

Minnesota over Illinois

Penn State over Michigan

Kyle Thele

Michigan State 33, Indiana 20

Michigan State plants a flag at home against a good team that they should beat. The offense looks like a high level unit for the first time all year and the defense looks like one of the best in the country.

The Spartans are going to roll, and look good in doing so. It’s going to be a fun Saturday.

Purdue vs.Rutgers

Iowa vs. Northwestern

Maryland vs. Wisconsin

Illinois vs. Minnesota

Michigan vs. Penn State