Indiana at Penn State Official Game Thread

Join the conversation as we get ready for the Hoosiers to take on Penn State tonight in a huge Big Ten game

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Welcome to GAME NIGHT! Tonight it's Indiana against Penn State in an important Big Ten game for both teams.

The game is at 8:30 p.m. ET and is on the Big Ten Network. We're here for you though, and I'll have insight and commentary throughout the game. Feel free to join me with your comments, too.

I'm expecting this game to be close, because they always are. In the past eight meetings, they've all been within five points or gone to overtime. Indiana is 6-2 in those games, but it's the Nittany Lions who are favored tonight.

For those who like to wager, Indiana is currently a 5.5-point underdog. An hour before tipoff, nearly 75 percent of the money wagered in Las Vegas has been on Penn State.

Familiar face for Penn State

• HELLO, ROOMIE: Former Indiana player Curtis Jones is playing for Penn State these days. After two years at Indiana, he transferred to Oklahoma State, and then came to Happy Valley this year. He still keeps in touch with former roommates Devonte Green and De'Ron Davis, the two seniors on Indiana's team. Here's my story from earlier, if you didn't see. CLICK HERE
• MEET THE OPPONENT: Here was my preview of the game, with some things to look for on the Nittany Lions. CLICK HERE

Pregame notes

• NO  RACE THOMPSON: Indiana sophomore forward Race Thompson is going to miss his second straight game with a back injury. He took a hard fall in the Michigan State game last Thursday and still isn't feeling right. He missed Sunday's loss to Maryland.
• TONIGHT'S STARTERS: It's the usual crew for the Hoosiers. Al Durham, Rob Phinisee, Justin Smith, Joey Brunk and Trayce Jackson-Davis. 

• MIDWEEK OPPORTUNITY: Because Penn State sits of the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania, attendance for midweek games is usually much lower than on the weekends So hopefully the Bryce Jordan Center will be a little quieter than normal.
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First half news and notes 

• Penn State was 0-10 this time last year in the Big Ten, so being 4-4 now is a huge deal. They want to get an NCAA bid big time this year.
• Indiana is  getting a nice spark from De'Ron Davis tonight. He's got six points already and the Hoosiers lead 28-26.