The in-state rivalry between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Indiana State Sycamores continues on Friday, with the Hoosiers welcoming their longtime rival at home. So, which team from the Hoosier State will win this Friday Night Football clash?
IU vs Indiana State: Players to Watch
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be leading the team against the Sycamores, though the ones to watch will be the defensive line, as this was the main reason for the Hoosiers dominating Kennesaw State 56-9 at home. Defensive Back Louis Moore will be the one to watch, as he leads the team in tackles at 14 and also interceptions at two.
Indiana also played a solid rushing game against Kennesaw State, with running back Roman Hemby leading the charge. He currently has 175 yards on 32 carries this season. Mendoza himself has also been effective on the offensive end, passing for 438 yards and completing 36 of them, leading to four touchdowns.
As for Indiana State, they are also coming off a dominant victory from last week, beating Eastern Illinois, 38-14. Backup quarterback Keegan Patterson was the key to that game, leading the Sycamores to a dominant victory for the injured QB1 Elijah Owens. Owens is expected to be out again, which means Patterson will get more chances to show what he is made of.
The Indiana State defense is also one to watch, with DL Logan Wilson leading the team with 2.5 sacks for the season and Kimal Clark leading the team with 24 tackles so far. For the offense, RB Plez Lawrence leads the team in both rushing yards at 143 and receiving yards at 111.
Odds and Betting Lines for IU vs. Indiana State
The two teams are coming off very dominant victories, which raises the question of which team will be coming out on top. According to Fanatics, the betting favorite should be the Indiana Hoosiers.
The spread for the Hoosiers, considered an overwhelming favorite despite the Sycamores also being dominant and undefeated, is -48.5 (-110) for a total of 60.5 (-110o / -110u).
Indiana State, on the other hand, has a +48.5 (-110) spread with a +15000 moneyline for a total of 60.5 (-110o / -110u). One big factor for Indiana State being the massive underdogs may be the fact that they will be missing QB1 Elijah Owens.
IU vs Indiana State Prediction
Even though both teams have shown that they can be dominant, Indiana State is missing their QB1 against a team like the Hoosiers will be a big blow. While Patterson has shown that he can be a competent QB, he remains relatively untested, and thus, the likely winner should be the Indiana Hoosiers with a massive lead.
Related:
Derek Owings Reportedly Turns Down USC Offer, Commits to Hoosiers With Lucrative New Contract
Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza Outlines a Day in the Life of a Transfer Player
Hoosier Faux Pas: Indiana Photoshops Fernando Mendoza Onto Grant Wilson’s Body
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
