Preview: Indiana State Sycamores at Indiana Hoosiers

(Video courtesy IUAthletics)

Indiana State at Indiana

Kickoff: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)

Watchability: Each game is a challenge for Indiana. The Hoosiers tout a defense rebuilt on junior college transfers and offensive players in Year 2 of coach Kevin Wilson's system. Some of the biggest plays of the week could come in this game.

Shining stars: Indiana State: RB Shakir Bell led the Football Championship Subdivision with 1,670 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. The junior averaged 151.8 rushing yards per game last year and is on the preseason watch-list for many awards. Indiana: QB Tre Roberson threw for 937 yards with three touchdowns while rushing for 426 yards and two scores in 2011. The sophomore has the potential to be one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Who could steal the show: Indiana State: DL Ben Obaseki was an Associated Press All-American last season when he recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior also plays fullback in short-yardage situations. Indiana: LB Jacarri Alexander transferred from Iowa Central Community College where he made 78 tackles with six sacks and three forced fumbles last season. Alexander is the heart of a rebuilt defense and will be challenged to stop Bell.

You going? Ranking the road trip: Listen at the end of the first quarter for the marching band to play “R-O-C-K In the USA” by Bloomington native John Mellencamp. “The Rock” also is a nickname for Memorial Stadium due to a 3-ton limestone on a granite base outside the facility.

Magic number for Indiana State: 32. Years since the Sycamores opened the season with a road victory (vs. Drake, 1980).

Magic number for Indiana: 32. Freshmen played by the Hoosiers last season, the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Bottom line: The Sycamores are ranked No. 23 in the FCS, but Indiana should have enough firepower to pull ahead early. Roberson will make a few mistakes, the defense will struggle at times and the game won't be pretty. In the end, Indiana should have enough talent to pull away for the victory.

Prediction: Indiana 34, Indiana State 16

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.