Five key players to watch this Saturday as #8 Indiana football hosts Michigan

Indiana football returns home after blowing out Michigan State on the road, 47-10.

The win against Michigan State showcased Indiana scoring 47 unanswered points, boosting them up in the college football rankings from #13 to #8.

Now having the best start to a season in program history, Indiana will look to add another win to its new record.

These are five key Indiana players that could make an impact this weekend, as the team faces off against Michigan.

Ty Son Lawton: RB

Although he wasn’t used that much offensively at Michigan State, Ty Son Lawton still did what he did best, finding his way into the end zone.

Lawton picked up six carries for 19 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also catching a pass for 16 receiving yards.

Lawton’s touchdown was his ninth rushing touchdown of season. Lawton’s score tied him at fourth in the Big Ten conference in rushing touchdowns.

Lawton has found the end zone now in seven of Indiana’s nine games this season. Expect to see Lawton continue to share carries with Justice Ellison, both posing as constant red zone threats.

Myles Price: WR

Myles Price was used everywhere against Michigan State. Between rushing the ball, receiving the ball, and returning punts, eyes were always on Price.

Price caught three passes on the offense last week, totaling 42 receiving yards and a touchdown. The senior receiver now has two touchdowns in Indiana’s last three games.

Offensively, Price now has 28 receptions on the season, advancing the ball for 361 receiving yards, an average of 12.9 yards per carry.

Price’s agility and pass catching skills make him a threat to any defense. Price averages over three receptions per game, a number which could inflate with the way he’s been performing as of recently.

Ke’Shawn Williams: WR

Ke’Shawn Williams was the games leading receiver in yards last week, bringing in six receptions for 86 yards.

Williams’ six receptions against Michigan State were the most receptions he’s had as a Hoosier, averaging 14.3 yards per catch last week.

Williams has shown a strong connection with quarterback Kurtis Rourke all season long, completing a handful of long distance passes. Williams’ longest catch of the season from Rourke came at Northwestern, a 52 yard completion.

Rourke often shows off his throwing ability, which is easy to do when you have Williams running a route down the field.

Williams, a senior transfer from Wake Forest, has brought in 21 catches this season for 271 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

James Carpenter: Defensive Linemen

James Carpenter was a huge force on the defensive line for Indiana against Michigan State, collecting one of Indiana’s seven sacks in the game.

Aside from the sack, Carpenter added three total tackles, two of which were solo tackles.

Carpenter, a senior transfer from James Madison University, has dominated on the line all season, totaling 22 tackles, 12 solo tackles and four sacks.

Following last week’s road victory against Michigan State, Carpenter spoke on the faith he and the team have for Indiana.

“I wouldn’t have came here if I didn’t believe in him. Sitting in his office (Curt Cignetti) when I came here to visit in December, we realized that we can do something special here and not many people are going to be on our side. We’re going to have a lot of doubters, but like I said, I wouldn’t have came here if I didn’t believe that.”

CJ West: Defensive Linemen

CJ West is another defensive lineman that has continued to play a pivotal role on Indiana’s defensive line all season long.

West recorded three total tackles, one being a solo tackle, and a sack against Michigan State last week.

West transferred to Indiana during the offseason, having previously played four seasons at Kent State.

Now, West brings a huge veteran presence to Indiana’s defense, on and off the field.

One of the most important traits of a veteran is having the right mindset.

West spoke on his thoughts going into Saturday’s game vs Michigan.

“A great opportunity. Another chance for us to do what we do and prepare to play another great team like we do every week. It’s a great opportunity to put on for the crowd and for the fans, always.”

Indiana will chase win number 10 this weekend, looking to rise in the CFB playoff projections.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET from Indiana’s Memorial Stadium.

SEE ALSO: ‘All you can do is turn on the tv and be impressed’: IU football heads into final stretch of season — the ‘Triangle of Triumph’

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