14 October, 2017
Central (noon Eastern). Michigan is a 7.5-point favorite, according to Vegas Insider.
The Wolverines are 4-and-1 overall and 1-and-1 in Big Ten play following their first loss of the season to Michigan State last week. It has lost 21 straight and 36 of the last 37 meetings.
IN coach Tom Allen acknowledges he is a numbers cruncher.
IN already proved to be a tough test for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the season opener so the Wolverines knew not to underestimate the Hoosiers.
If Michigan wants to attain its goal of winning the Big Ten, which is "still ahead" and doable, per Kugler and others, it must win at Indiana.
Brown's defenses have led the nation the past three years - two at MI and 2015 at Boston College - so for Allen and his Hoosier defense, Saturday's noon homecoming contest against the No. 17 Wolverines represents a chance to measure themselves in their quest to assert themselves among the nation's best. You can not expect to win the big games if you do not capitalize on the opportunities presented to you. "The bottom line is how do you break through that?"
During this 21-game streak, even the truly terrible MI teams have owned Indiana.
One loss won't necessarily knock the Wolverines out of the Big Ten title chase or the playoff picture. Then, during live offense vs. defense work, a lost fumble means the player must sit for the duration of each 10-minute practice period.
Michigan's defense allowed 10 points in the final 3:27 of the fourth quarter - the only fourth-quarter points it has allowed this season. Jake Rudock miraculously found Jehu Chesson in the back of the end zone for the tying score, and two overtimes later, MI found a way to escape with a win.
Now Allen thinks he may finally have the solution. The Hoosiers have the nation's No. 2 defense in forcing three-and-out series.
MI now faces a tough road ahead if they hope to remain in the running in the Big Ten East.
Michigan, which was coming off a home loss to rival Michigan State, again struggled mightily in the passing game, as John O'Korn managed just 58 passing yards total.
But, Harbaugh knows how to play the numbers, too.
Michigan's results are always going to attract close scrutiny, because it's a member of the exclusive club of high-profile historic college football powerhouses that are always under a microscope. Two probably will, and history favors the Wolverines. They'll nearly certainly have to beat Penn State and Ohio State (and Wisconsin, for that matter) in order to make the Big Ten Championship game.
We know the defense is going to be good. They were deeply annoyed by a string of officiating decisions, especially in the first half.
MI has yet to find an offensive rhythm, and the right side of its offensive line teeters on disaster.
The onside kick was overturned, and IN got a stop.
Texas defense has stepped up since the first game of the season.
"You got to get them in those third downs where they have to throw the football, " Allen said. MI scored quickly in OT, and the Hoosiers couldn't answer.
If the defense only had to worry about opposing offenses, MI would be in good shape. On paper, the Wolverines are better.
The Michigan football team faces some adversity this week, as the Wolverines get ready to take on the Indiana Hoosiers.
"It's not going to be a challenge for us because we're prepared for anything an offense can throw at us".
"They're really, really good and they mix it up", IN quarterback Peyton Ramsey said. Backup John O'Korn took over to start against IN in a bounce-back game. He made a solid debut after replacing the injured Wilton Speight in a win at Purdue. While Michigan has completely owned IN for the better part of three decades, the games have become dangerously close. He performed well on Saturday, but this will be his toughest test as the starter. There was little reason to believe that MI would experience a massive drop-off this year.
However, the rest of the college football world should enjoy the stumbles while it can. Not that the Wolverines are thinking about it.
The score pulled the Hoosiers within three, but the Wolverines had a chance to seal the game in the final 65 seconds, with in starting a drive at its own 30.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
