Indiana Football vs Michigan State: 3 bold predictions

1. Michael Penix Returns; Combines For 300+ Yards

These are called bold predictions for a reason and that is exactly what this is.

Penix has missed the last two games for the Hoosiers with what is figured to be a shoulder issue, and while Tom Allen said Penix will return to practice this week and start throwing, there will obviously be some rust if he returns to the field this week.

On the season, in the game and a half he has played, he has thrown for 523 yards and rushed for an additional 79 yards – on just nine carries, however. It has been well-known his ability to throw the ball downfield as well as make plays with his legs when need be, and against the stout defense that the Spartans put on the field, his ability to open up the playbook makes the Indiana offense that much more lethal.

Now, Michigan State has allowed just a hair over 176 passing yards per game, and allowed more than 150 yards just once this season, so moving the ball through the air isn’t something that comes easy against the Spartans.

What I fully expect Kalen DeBoer to do, despite Penix’s arm strength, is to get the ball out of his hands early, even behind the line of scrimmage, and let the skill players use their ability to attack in the open field. So while Penix may not throw many deep completions, the short passes will draw up the defense and will make for at least one or two big plays over the top which could end up being the game changing play needed.

While I do expect Penix to make use of his legs, he isn’t one to skip over certain reads just so he can run with it, so I wouldn’t bet on him carrying the ball more than maybe five or six times. When he does though, it’ll make for a big play and could be at a crucial time in the game.