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Big Ten Predictions: Week 8 picks against the spread

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Oct 17, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback

Nate Sudfeld

(7) drops back to pass on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defense in the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday, October 24, 2015
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Location: East Lansing, MI
  • TV Channel: ESPN2
  • Spread:Michigan State -16.5
  • Over/Under Total: 63.5

Michigan State will look to avoid a letdown this week after an improbable, crazy ending to the game at Michigan last week. The Spartans are now 7-0 this season and will look to continue their dream of a birth in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff.

Related: 5 Biggest CFB Surprises in the First Half

The Spartans return home this week to face an Indiana team that has been absolutely torched on defense in recent weeks, something that bodes well for a struggling, yet experienced Michigan State offense. Quarterback Connor Cook has been the leader on offense and is coming off a 328-yard performance last week.

With a solid mix of run and pass, Michigan State should be able to exploit the Indiana defense.

Indiana started the season with four wins, but has now lost three-in-a-row. However, quarterback Nate Sudfeld, who missed a game-and-a-half with an injury, is back and looked fantastic during last week’s crazy 55-52 loss to Rutgers. He put up 464 yards and four touchdowns, but thanks to the defense, it wasn’t enough.

Sudfeld should find a bit of success this week against a Michigan State defense that’s ranked 74th in passing yards allowed. With the health of running back Jordan Howard still up in the air, Sudfeld could be asked to do everything this week.

The large point spread is a bit scary, as Michigan State has not been dominant this year. However, Indiana’s defense has proven that it’s unable to really stop anyone. With that being said, the Hoosiers will put up points on the Spartans and should be able to hang around the spread for most of the game. It’s not my favorite pick of the week, but I don’t see Michigan State covering this spread, even at home.

Next: Penn State at Maryland

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