Indiana @ Penn State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 1, 2011 ) Penn State 16, Indiana 10

Penn State continues to wind down the most enduring season in school history when it hosts Indiana on Saturday. The Nittany Lions, who aren't eligible for postseason play in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, have lost two of their last three contests following their 32-23 setback at Nebraska last week. Penn State has won all 15 meetings with the Hoosiers, who must win their final two games (at Purdue on Nov. 24) to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2007 and the second since 1993. Since Penn State and Ohio State are ineligible for postseason, Wisconsin's 62-14 victory over Indiana last week served as the Leaders Division title game.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Penn State -17

ABOUT INDIANA (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten): The Hoosiers allowed a mind-boggling 564 yards rushing against Wisconsin and are third-to-last in the country in run defense at 244 yards per game. While the Nittany Lions (79th, 144 yards) don't possess the rushing attack the Badgers offered, Indiana must do a 180 on defense if it is to compete Saturday. The strongest aspect of the Hoosiers' game is their passing attack, which leads the Big Ten. Cameron Coffman has completed 62 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions and has nine receivers with 11 or more receptions. Shane Wynn leads the team in receptions (51) and touchdown catches (six) while Cody Latimer has a team-high 707 yards and five scores.

ABOUT PENN STATE (6-4, 4-2): The strength of the Nittany Lions' offense has been their passing attack, but after watching the tape of the Indiana-Wisconsin game, they may try to concentrate more on the running game. Penn State, though, can probably do it either way as Indiana's No. 28 pass defense is ranked that high because most opponents keep it on the ground. Matt McGloin (19 touchdowns, four interceptions) is having a solid season and prefers to throw the ball to Allen Robinson (63 catches, 786 yards, team-high eight touchdowns). If Penn State tries to pound the ball, Zach Zwinak (686 yards, 5.0 yards per carry) will likely get the bulk of the work.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Penn State freshman TE Kyle Carter, second on the team with 36 receptions, will miss the final two games after suffering a wrist injury against Nebraska.

2. Indiana's school-record streak of scoring 24 or more points ended at 10 games last week.

3. Penn State defeated Indiana 16-10 last season in Bloomington. The first meeting was in 1993.

PREDICTION: Penn State 38, Indiana 14