Homecoming weekend at Penn State always presents a fun and exciting atmosphere for all those who attend. Past alumni flood to Happy Valley to enjoy old times with friends as well as see their Nittany Lions take the field at Beaver Stadium.

If there is ever a time to gain a home victory, it's on homecoming weekend where State College will be packed even more than usual with Nittany Lion faithful.Standing in the way of over 300,000 people's homecoming victory bliss is Big 10 opponent Indiana. The Hoosiers are far from the Big 10 doormat that they've been in years past, coming into the game with a 4-1 record.Indiana is also coming into its match-up with Penn State with some confidence after narrowly losing to No. 1 ranked Ohio State, 34-27, just a week ago.This game will come down to health and availability.As of right now, Indiana starting quarterback Nate Sudfield and starting tailback Jordan Howard are both questionable for the game this afternoon (noon ET, ESPN). Sudfield and Howard were both injured a week ago and are big reasons why the Hoosiers have been so successful this season.Sudfield has passed for 1,277 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing just one interception. Howard led the nation in rushing through the first four weeks of the season, but was held in check last week due to the injury and the strength of the Buckeyes defensive line. So far in 2015, he's rushed for 709 yards and four touchdowns.Even though the two most valuable impact players for the Hoosiers may be out Saturday, you can bet the Penn State defense is going to prepare as if they're suiting up."I don't think it changes a whole lot because their styles are similar. The No. 2 back is similar to No. 1 and does a good job, and he's playing behind a real big physical offensive line. I don't think that changes a whole lot," said Penn State head coach James Franklin. "The quarterback changes because you're talking about a 6-4, strong-armed pocket passer. Diamont comes in, and I think he went for a 78-yard scramble on Ohio State, so that's where it becomes challenging because you've got two completely different styles."I think either way, Penn State is going to be just fine defensively. Last season, they held vaunted Indiana running back and now Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman to just 74 yards on the ground. Also, Zander Diamont got the start last season against the Nittany Lions when Sudfield was injured and he didn't have much success, leading an offense that scored just seven points.Yes, I know the Indiana offensive line is better this season, but I think the Penn State defensive line is also better. Defensive end Carl Nassib (eight sacks) adds a pass rusher to the mix this season that PSU just didn't have last year. Also add in that safeties Marcus Allen and Jordan Lucas, and linebacker Brandon Bell will all be back this week. The Penn State defense will be at full strength against the Hoosiers.If Penn State is to win this game they must be better offensively - and I mean way better. Let's be honest, without running back Saquon Barkley in the lineup this offense just isn't the same.Barkley has been limited at practice this week, but reports have indicated that although his ankle is heavily taped he looks good on the field. I think he will go on Saturday.Franklin mentioned in his postgame press conference after the Army game last week that his team must take more shots downfield. Franklin must put his money where his mouth is and actually phase that into the offensive game plan. The weather looks like it will cooperate in State College, so rainy conditions shouldn't hamper the passing game like it has in three out of the four Penn State home games.Without big plays in the passing game the door will be left too wide open for the Hoosiers. Beaver Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the country and it becomes even tougher when you give the crowd something to cheer about. Guess what does that? The answer is big plays.I've been back and forth about this game all week. In order for Penn State to make a bowl I think this is one of its "must win" games. At this point, the Nittany Lions aren't guaranteed to beat anybody, but if you look at the schedule this game is one of the more winnable games.The Indiana defense hasn't been great this season, allowing over 500 yards of total offense and 337 yards through the air per game. I just think those defensive numbers give Penn State the edge - even with how lackluster the offense has been.The Hoosiers are 4-1, but three of the four wins have been by seven points or less.I think Christian Hackenberg has a big game for the Nittany Lions as offensive coordinator John Donovan dials up some more deep balls throughout the day. Hackenberg should have some extra time to throw with right tackle Andrew Nelson returning. Nelson is the Nittany Lions best offensive lineman and will also help improve the on-the-field leadership of that group.Lastly, Penn State is 17-1 all-time against the Hoosiers and 8-0 at Beaver Stadium.Las Vegas is favoring Penn State to win by 6.5 points.My prediction is Penn State 24, Indiana 14.