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from Modesto, Calif., has already thrown for 1,146 yards and ranks as the secondbest signal caller in the conference through four games. The Hoosiers could also call upon Tre Roberson, the opening-day starting QB in 2012 who has returned from last year's season-ending knee injury. He's a dualthreat sophomore of whom Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien is well aware. He is also game-planning around Indiana's deep and talented receiving corps. Five pass catchers – senior Kofi Hughes, junior Cody Latimer, junior Shane Wynn, senior Duwyce Wilson and senior tight end Ted Bolser – already have eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for their career. Coach Kevin Wilson's offense is built around them, and he often uses short to immediate passes to get the ball in their hands, a style that Penn State has struggled against in the past. No matter who is behind center, PSU's secondary – which will be a man down with safety Ryan Keiser recovering from a broken hand – will have a difficult matchup against Indiana's stable of pass catchers. "They have what I call really good 'space players, guys who can make plays ' with the ball in space," O'Brien said. "That's a tough offense to defend. You're going to have to make sure that you swarm to the ball, that you tackle properly, that you get lined up and communicate. ... Their passing game is all predicated upon, in my opinion, a good quarterback, a good play caller and a fast‑tempo offense." Wilson has similar praise for Penn State's offense. During his pregame news conference, he discussed the importance of limiting Penn State's trio of running backs, while containing its freshman quarterback and playmaking receivers. But the similarities between the Hoosiers and Nittany Lions end there. Indiana fielded one of the worst defenses in the country a season ago, and at least statistically, its performance hasn't improved much in 2013. During the Hoosiers' most recent game, Missouri piled up 623 yards of total offense, including 280 yards rushing. After surrendering 28 first-half points, Wilson said his Hoosiers struggled to match the firepower of Missouri's balanced offense, which features run-first quarterback James Franklin, who rushed for 61 yards and threw for 343 more. While Christian Hackenberg bears little similarity to James, Wilson is expecting a comparable strategy from the Nittany Lions. "Missouri was talented, but [the Nittany Lions] will be as talented," Wilson said. "They have a different scheme [in which] they're going to throw it to some nice players in space. They complement it with the running game. Maybe it's a different style running attack, but they have similar balance on offense. " Considering the struggles versus the run – IU allows more rushing yards than anyone in the conference – Wilson said his defense hasn't been "as structurally sound" or "clean" as he and his staff would like it to be. The Hoosiers are hoping to get back on track vs. Penn State. And they're hoping to live up to the expectations they had for themselves entering the season. With 52 letter-winners returning from 2012 who have made a combined 384 career starts, Indiana has been looking to enjoy a marquee season in Bloomington. But after going 2-2 in nonconference play, the Hoosiers are trying to avoid one thing on Saturday, even if history is working against them: an 0-1 start to the Big Ten season. "I look at some seniors that I've got a lot of respect for, and we need those guys to lead us," Wilson said. "Then we need to go out and play at a pretty high level for those guys, because their sense of urgency is great. This is our one time to play this game. This is our one chance for Penn State. " BWI'S FORECAST NATE BAUER 2013 RECORD 3-1 There's no question that Penn State will be able to produce oodles of points. The issue, of course, is whether or not Indiana's prolific offense will do the same. Coming off a bye week and the experience vs. UCF, the Nittany Lions have the slight edge on the road. PENN STATE 38, INDIANA 31 PHIL GROSZ 2013 RECORD 3-1 PSU wins this in a high-scoring affair, but it won't be easy. Indiana has the best offense in the Big Ten, but might have the worst defense, too. Look for PSU's offense to control the football and keep Indiana off the field. PENN STATE 45, INDIANA 28 MATT HERB 2013 RECORD 4-0 The law of averages has to kick in at some point, doesn't it? And if the Hoosiers are ever going to break their losing streak against Penn State, this is the year. The Lions' numbers are down, and they've got some defensive concerns that Indiana's high-speed offense appears capable of exploiting. INDIANA 34, PENN STATE 27 TIM OWEN 2013 RECORD 4-0 The Hoosiers can score points. That much is obvious. But if the Lions can shut down the intermediate passing game, Indiana won't be able to match its season average of 45 points. Penn State, however, will. PENN STATE 45, INDIANA 35 RYAN SNYDER INJURY REPORT Penn State announced that safety Ryan Keiser will be inactive against Indiana with a hand injury, but he is considered "possible" for next week's game vs. Michigan. Meanwhile, linebacker Mike Hull (knee) is "full-go. Indiana offensive tackle " Peyton Eckert (back) is not anticipated to play, but could dress vs. Penn State. O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 1 3 2 2013 RECORD 4-0 The Nittany Lions need to put up some points this week. Fortunately for them, Indiana's defense simply isn't that good. PENN STATE 38, INDIANA 34 BL UE W HI T EON L I N E . COM

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