Five key players to watch this Saturday as #13 Indiana football faces Michigan State

Following a 31-17 home victory against Washington, #13 Indiana football will hit the road to face Michigan State in East Lansing on Saturday.

Indiana enters the game with a perfect 8-0 record. A win over Michigan State would give Indiana its best start in program history, a record dating back to 1967.

These are five key Indiana players that could make an impact this weekend in what could be a historical game. 

QB: Kurtis Rourke

Indiana football starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke will return to action on Saturday, after suffering a thumb injury at home against Nebraska two weeks ago.

Rourke sat out last week against Washington, leaving him questionable going into Michigan State week.

Despite the concern around Bloomington regarding Rourke’s injury status, Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti confirmed Rourke’s ability to play this weekend.

“Kurtis Rourke will start and play the game.”

Cignetti released what was the best news Indiana football could have hoped for.

Rourke has been stellar thus far for Indiana, passing for 1,941 yards, 15 touchdowns, while rushing for two touchdowns.

With Rourke cleared to start on Saturday, Indiana automatically will be put in a better position for success.

RB: Justice Ellison

Justice Ellison has been arguably one of the most crucial offensive weapons for Indiana all season long.

Ellison has collected 102 carries on the year, moving the ball for 637 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

Ellison’s ninth rushing touchdown came in the 31-17 victory last weekend over Washington. The score extended Ellison’s touchdown streak to seven games.

Following the win, Cignetti spoke very highly of Ellison’s performance.

“Justice had the hot hand… I thought he was terrific. Terrific.”

With Ellison playing what could be the best football of his career right now, it’s fully anticipated for him to continue dominating on offense.

WR: Elijah Sarratt

Elijah Sarratt had a quiet performance last week, bringing in just one reception for 12 yards.

Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson struggled to find pass catchers in the win, completing just 11 passes for 124 yards.

Sarratt has played as a bonafide number one receiver with Rourke on the field, averaging 18 yards per carry going into last week’s game.

Sarratt ranks fourth in the Big Ten conference in receiving yards this season, totaling 590 receiving yards on 33 receptions, finding the end zone three times. 

With Rourke starting on Saturday, Sarratt is expected to be targeted regularly.

DB: D’Angelo Ponds

D’Angelo Ponds was the biggest difference maker against Washington, picking off Washington quarterback Will Rogers twice in the first half.

Ponds’ first interception was returned all the way, a 67 yard pick six.

Ponds’ second interception put Indiana in a good offensive position, allowing the offense to score. 

While preparing for Michigan State, Ponds explained what he and the other defensemen need to do to succeed on Saturday.

“We just got to stick to the fundamentals and the basics… eliminate the shots, that’s it.”

Ponds transferred to Indiana this offseason from James Madison University, playing a phenomenal season in his first year in the Indiana football program.

Ponds has totalled 40 tackles on the year, 27 of which are solo tackles. 

DL: Tyrique Tucker

Tyrique Tucker has been a threat to opposing quarterbacks all season long. 

Tucker, a 298 pound defensive linemen, had half of a sack against Washington, in addition to three total tackles.

Tucker’s half of a sack increased his season total to two, after getting a sack and a half against Western Illinois in week two.

While previewing Michigan State, Tucker commented on the season long success from Indiana’s team as a whole.

“We always more hungry to just go out there and get it done. We never satisfied, we just win… got to redo it, rinse and repeat every week.”

Tucker and Indiana’s strong defensive line will look to pose a threat to Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET from Spartan Stadium.

SEE ALSO: Indiana football had its ‘most inconsistent performance’ on Saturday. Now, it travels to Michigan State preparing for a team that will ‘smack you in the mouth’

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