Staff Picks: Predicting Indiana's Week 3 clash with Indiana State

Indiana football closes out the nonconference portion of its schedule this Friday with a 6:30 p.m. ET matchup against FCS opponent Indiana State.

Each week throughout the season, our staff will break down the upcoming matchup and make their predictions on how things will play out. From big-picture storylines to score forecasts, our weekly picks aim to give fans a snapshot of expectations heading into game day.

This week, the focus is squarely on the Hoosiers’ Week 3 clash with the Sycamores — a chance to close out the nonconference slate on a high note.

Zach’s Pick

This is the final tune-up for Indiana before things start to get real. As was evident in the Week 3 win over Kennesaw State, Curt Cignetti will not want his team to take their foot off the gas pedal throughout the entire contest on Friday night. Because of that, I don’t see the Hoosiers letting up at all, even in the late stages of the game. The offense, whether it’s the starters or the backups, shouldn’t have any problem moving the football against Indiana State. Similarly, I would be surprised if the Sycamores are able to string much together against the Hoosiers’ defense. This is the weakest opponent Indiana will face this season. I expect that to be reflected on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Indiana 63, Indiana State 3

Alec’s Pick

Indiana took a step up in week two from a play calling perspective, efficiency standpoint and will likely do the same again against Indiana state in week three. The Hoosiers have too much talent, especially with ISU starting quarterback Elijah Owens set to miss Friday’s matchup. Look for Indiana to utilize its passing game early to set the tone, much like it did in week two, to set up the rushing game — that has averaged over 300 yards a game this year. I don’t expect this to be a close game, although ISU will bring a lot of edge and toughness. Indiana won’t get caught looking ahead to week four.

Prediction: Indiana 45, Indiana State 7

Colin’s Pick

Picks in FBS vs. FCS matchups are always fun to make. Does Indiana win by 40? 50? Even 60? That seems to be the topic of conversation in the Hoosiers’ contest with Indiana State, but the score couldn’t be further from the focus to Curt Cignetti or his team. IU is looking for good tape and to improve across the board, but particularly in limiting big plays on defense. This is a staff picks story though, so I’ll have to make a score prediction, even though this one is expected to get out of hand before halftime. With reserves expected to enter the ballgame in the second half, Indiana might not win by as many as it did against Western Illinois last year, but it’ll still be a dominant Hoosier victory.

Prediction: Indiana 59, Indiana State 3

Kyler’s Pick

The Hoosiers got back to being a lot more fluid in week 2 vs Kennesaw State showing off that dominance that we are used to seeing out of them. This week, they will face an even lesser opponent in Indiana State with the Sycamores traveling down to Bloomington on Friday. This game will be the easiest on Indiana’s schedule and the only thing the Hoosiers need to worry about is staying healthy at the end of it. As much as I am excited to see my Alma Mater in Indiana State play the Hoosiers this season, the Sycamores have no fighting chance in this one. Indiana will win this one big.

Prediction: Indiana 64, Indiana State 3

Drew’s Pick

We saw a much-improved performance from Indiana in week two against Kennesaw State, and I expect a similar result against Indiana State. Indiana has had some troubles stopping big plays on defense, and that should be a point of emphasis this week. But with Indiana State starting quarterback Elijah Owens out due to a collarbone injury, the Sycamores could struggle to move the football against the Hoosier defense. On the other side of the football, Fernando Mendoza and Elijah Sarratt took a huge step forward in week two as they connected for three touchdowns, and when they are on the same page, there are few teams capable of stopping them. Ultimately, I think Indiana has too much firepower on both sides of the ball, and I expect them to put this game away early.

Prediction: Indiana 52, Indiana State 6

Coach Griff’s Pick

Indiana enters Friday night with plenty of confidence and firepower, and this matchup sets up as another opportunity to fine-tune before Big Ten play. I expect the Hoosiers to overwhelm Indiana State on both sides of the ball and control the game from the opening kickoff.

Prediction: Indiana 56, Indiana State 10

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