Spartans to stomp past Hoosiers again

Led by workhorse running back Javon Ringer, Michigan State might prove to be one of the Big Ten's best teams this season.

The same won't be said about Indiana.

It was hard to tell which was the Mid-American Conference team and which was the Big Ten team in last week's Ball State-Indiana game. Both teams wore red and white jerseys, but that's where the similarities ended in Ball State's 42-20 rout over the Hoosiers.

Nate Davis, one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation, carved up Indiana's secondary, and running back MiQuale Lewis ran for 166 yards and four touchdowns as the Cardinals recorded their first victory over a BCS school.

The Hoosiers were held scoreless in the second half, and seven of their 20 points came as a result of a fumble return after a hit to wide receiver Dante Love, who suffered a career-ending spinal injury on the play.

Ringer leads the nation in rushing attempts with 143 and is coming off back-to-back 200-yard games against Florida Atlantic and Notre Dame.

Last year, the Spartans racked up 368 yards rushing -- with Ringer getting 203 -- against the Hoosiers in a 52-27 victory. Expect more of the same in this game as Michigan State wins and covers as an 8-point road favorite.

Other selections for today's games (Home team in CAPS):

• Navy (+16) over WAKE FOREST: Senior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada returned to the lineup last week and led the Midshipmen to a 23-21 upset of Rutgers. Last year, Kaheaku-Enhada was injured against Wake Forest with the score tied at 17, and the Demon Deacons went on to win, 44-24.

Wake Forest survived Florida State 12-3 last week in a defensive game in which no touchdowns were scored. Navy runs a ball-control offense and can keep this within the number.

• Marshall (+15) over WEST VIRGINIA: The Mountaineers are not the same team with Bill Stewart as coach. They are 1-2 and have scored 17 points in their two games against FBS competition. Marshall used a balanced attack, with more than 200 yards rushing and passing, in its road win over Southern Mississippi last week. Many Thundering Herd players return from last year's team that led in-state rival West Virginia 13-6 before tiring in the second half. Expect a complete effort this time against a vulnerable favorite.

• DUKE (-7) over Virginia: This game involves two programs headed in opposite directions. First-year coach David Cutcliffe, a former Tennessee offensive coordinator and head coach at Mississippi, has instilled new life in the Duke program. Blue Devils quarterback Thaddeus Lewis leads the conference in total offense.

The Cavaliers have been a mess, especially at quarterback. Peter Lalich was dismissed from the team, and sophomore Marc Verica will make his second start.

• Purdue (+11/2) over NOTRE DAME: This is Purdue coach Joe Tiller's 12th and final year. The Boilermakers are led by two seniors, quarterback Curtis Painter and running back Kory Sheets. The difference in this game could be Sheets, who had the winning 46-yard touchdown run that saved the day for Purdue against Central Michigan. The Fighting Irish offense continues to struggle under coach Charlie Weis.

• Minnesota (+20) over OHIO STATE: The Gophers were last in the nation in total defense in 2007, and they changed defensive coordinators this season by hiring Ted Roof, a move that has paid off. Last week, Minnesota held Florida Atlantic to three points. The offense can score and is led by quarterback Adam Weber.

Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor will make his second start for the Buckeyes. Last week, Ohio State led Troy by four points going into the fourth quarter before pulling away.

Last week: 2-6 against the spread

Season: 8-12

Barry Holthaus, a handicapper for VegasInsider.com, is providing college football analysis for the Review-Journal this season. He can be heard on the Leroy's Sports Hour at 10 p.m. Saturdays on KLAV-AM (1230).