It’s going to be a wild matchup when Indiana State heads to Bloomington on Friday to face the Indiana Hoosiers in Week 3. The Sycamores are 2-0 after a 38-14 victory against Eastern Illinois, while Indiana is also undefeated at 2-0, having dominated Kennesaw State with a 56-9 win. That makes their game even more exciting. Now, with Indiana leading the series 7-0, the hype’s building fast. But let’s not forget even the announcers add another layer of fun and spice into the game by providing all the details for fans across the country. So, let’s know who is calling Indiana vs. Indiana State’s classic matchup.

Well, it’s Lisa Byington who will be on play-by-play, with Jared Thomas giving out valuable analysis. Best part? The kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally, ensuring fans a great viewing experience. On top of that, Byington and Thomas offer a combination of expertise and enthusiasm, promising to keep viewers engaged throughout the game.

But Lisa Byington is no stranger to the big stage, having established herself at FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network covering college football and basketball. In 2017, she made history as the first woman to call a college football game for BTN, breaking into a previously male-dominated field. Her voice is now synonymous with major sporting events, her clear delivery drawing fans into the action. And just so you know, Byington’s experience extends beyond college sports.

She called the 2019 Women’s World Cup for FOX, handled play-by-play for the 2020 Olympics, covering men’s and women’s soccer, and has been a sideline reporter for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament with CBS and Turner since 2017. In 2021, she broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to do play-by-play in March Madness. So, it’s pretty much evident why she’s part of the kickoff.

Then across the booth, there’s Jared Thomas, who injects a distinct storytelling flair. A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Thomas majored in mass communications with a focus on media production, further honing his abilities with a minor in applied communication studies. His path included internships at St. Louis’s KMOV, where he gained behind-the-scenes experience in editing, interviews, and camera operation, before transitioning to journalism as a general assignment reporter/MMJ at WCIA 3 in 2023.

And Thomas’s interests extend beyond sports and television; he’s dedicated to connecting with others. Prior to his journalism career, he was a P.E. teacher and after-school assistant at City Academy in St. Louis, blending teaching with mentoring, a role that provided him with fulfillment outside of academics. Now, add that resume with Byington’s experience, and their fresh viewpoint in BTN’s broadcast will make the Indiana vs. Indiana State game a must-watch for fans.

Which team has an edge in the Indiana vs Indiana State clash?

Indiana rolls into Week 3 with a 2-0 record, and Friday night’s game feels more like a warm-up than a real challenge. IU has won all seven previous matchups against this team, with an average score of 41-11. That’s why the spread is at -48.5, with Vegas anticipating another blowout. Look, the Hoosiers’ offense is clicking, averaging 547.5 yards per game, fueled by a rushing attack that’s topped 300 yards in consecutive games.

Curt Cignetti is using a three-back system with Roman Hemby, Lee Beebe Jr., and Kaelon Black. With that, even their ground game is controlling the clock, wearing down defenses, and setting the stage for the kind of dominant possession that will give Indiana State fits. Add in Drew Evans, the nation’s highest-graded pass-blocker, returning from an Achilles tear less than a year ago, and IU’s offensive line is simply a nightmare for other teams.

But even Indiana State has shown some promise with its pass rush, creating turnovers in its first two games. However, without starting quarterback Elijah Owens (collarbone), the Sycamores face a tough challenge in Bloomington. To stay competitive, they’ll need early takeaways and long drives to control the clock. The problem is, IU’s defense has been stingy, allowing only 20 first downs this season, and its front seven is dominant. Expect Indiana’s pass rush to quickly turn the tide.