Indiana Football Game Preview: Michigan State – key question, injury report, how to watch

#13 Indiana football hits the road this weekend, traveling to East Lansing, Michigan, gearing up to face the Michigan State Spartans for the Brass Spittoon. 

Michigan State enters the game holding a 4-4 record overall with a 2-3 record in Big Ten conference play. 

Indiana football is looking to improve to 9-0 and have it’s best start in program history.

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s matchup.

Key Question

Will Kurtis Rourke play to his full ability?

Indiana football starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke is set to start on Saturday, playing in his first game since Nebraska, two weeks ago.

Rourke suffered a thumb injury at home against Nebraska, which removed him from the game early and has sat him out since.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti confirmed Thursday night that Rourke will be back on the field against Michigan State.

On Thursday’s radio show, Cignetti said that Rourke “will start and play”.

The senior quarterback underwent surgery following the injury, sidelining him in Indiana’s most recent game against Washington.

Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson started against Washington, completing 11 of 19 attempts, passing for 124 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 17 yards and a touchdown. 

The redshirt sophomore quarterback led Indiana to a 31-17 victory over Washington in what could be his lone start of the season.

Watch: Indiana football players D’Angelo Ponds, Tyrique Tucker, and Trey Wedig preview Michigan State

Matchup History

Indiana will play at Michigan State on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET in Spartan Stadium (74,866) on Peacock.

The two programs first met in 1922, with the first edition of the Old Brass Spittoon rivalry taking place in 1950. The two teams have split the last four games in the series.

Michigan State leads the all-time series, 50-18-2, and won last year’s matchup, 24-21, in Bloomington. The Hoosiers won the last game in East Lansing, defeating the Spartans, 39-31, in double overtime in 2022.

This will be the 14th consecutive season where the two programs face off, dating back to the 2011 season, and the 66th time for the Old Brass Spittoon. 

Read: ‘One of the hottest teams in the country’: Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith details preparation for Indiana football

Injury Updates

Kurtis Rourke (QB) – Thumb injury sustained against Nebraska (10/19/2024). Underwent thumb surgery on 10/21/2024. 

On Thursday night, Cignetti said Rourke “will start and play”.

More: 3 Storylines to watch for when Indiana football faces MSU in The Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon

Quick Hitters

Who? #13 Indiana (8-0) (5-0 B1G) vs Michigan State (4-4) (2-3 B1G)

When? Saturday, Nov. 2 | 3:30 PM ET

Where? Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan)

TV: Peacock

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread: Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite and the over/under is set at 53 points per DraftKings SportBook.

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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