Michigan Wolverine Football: Indiana at Michigan — What May Happen
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Flags fly before the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:45am — 11/1/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Indiana at Michigan — What May Happen
Who’s There?- Indiana Plays Michigan
One enduring mystery is why the fine institution in Bloomington, Indiana is named the Indiana Hoosiers. After years of diligently researching this secret of the universe, the conclusion by the author favors one theory.
In the early 1800’s, when settlers were heading west, either through Ohio or many times down the Ohio River, river pirates and assorted thugs were a menace. So, the newly transplanted locals, wary as they were, would question those coming around a river bend with a poor diction meant to express the simple phrase “Who’s there?”
The diction left many believing the phrase was being pronounced Hoosier (whozzhaa). And so that is one of the underlying theories of the origin of the term Hoosier, and it makes perfect sense.
Indiana is coming to Ann Arbor Saturday to play the Michigan Wolverines. The game has been bemoaned by some as the battle of the losers. This is a shame and directly opposite what once was the true nature of college football: to provide a nice recreational vehicle on a Saturday that was tied to an institution of higher learning. Players and coaches put in time and effort; win or lose. The game is still fun if one allows.
The match-up has some potential value for entertainment, but there is no money back guarantee printed on the back of the ticket.
The goal of successfully running the ball still remains for the Wolverines. Michigan has had few precious games over the last seven or so years where the opponent has been pushed around. In fact, discount the quarterback running stats and precious little, before this year, remains. The number one option is hurt but DeVeon Smith remains as a basic no-nonsense back that can do damage if the offensive line can engage and remain engaged.
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back DeThe Wolverines obviously have not surrendered this objective; nor can they. As much as Michigan fans groan about the running game, the passing game continues to yield big, dramatic (and shocking) turnovers. The question by media types and fans has been posited as to why Devin Gardner is not engaged in the running game more. Two reasons emerge: first, a quarterback dominated run game is not in the card deck of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeirer; second, Devin is clearly on a bad ankle. Anyway, the important assumption, based on late season statistics, is that Indiana is just ok in defending the run. The Hoosiers may load the box and hope for more Devin Gardner early holiday gifts.
Michigan’s passing game versus Indiana’s defense is more of a mystery. The Hoosiers are not very good statistically on pass defense, but are decent at getting to the quarterback. It follows that most smart coaches will match their strength against the other team’s weakness; in this case Michigan’s offensive line. So, will
Michigan again fall back when necessitated and attempt slow developing routes (due to receiver route running and inability to gain separation), or will Michigan go to a quick pattern look? Michigan has big receivers that can be used in the bubble package, a couple of backs that with focus can break decent gains, or Hayes has yet to run the tunnel/slip screen package.
On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan must shift from a power focus (Michigan State) to a speedier offensive line and a premiere, fast back, Tevin Coleman, who just happens to be averaging over 8 yards per carry. Slamming the door shut on Indiana’s offense is unlikely. For years, and through many coaches, the Hoosiers have produced offensive firepower: but twenty something never beats 40 something against a very good team. Michigan is, even more so than in past years, offensively challenged. So, if the Hoosiers can score 28 or more points the chance of victory is pretty good.
The Hoosiers have suffered two crippling quarterback injuries and will most likely be playing on inexperienced freshman. This means the Hoosiers will ride Coleman for all he is worth, and the Michigan defense is certainly aware. So, watch the box, watch the safety position, and ask the ends to please stay at home and keep contain on the corner.
Turnovers will be devastating to either team as the margin for error is slim. The weather will be cold and the sun will set quickly on the last day of daylight savings time. If Michigan loses, the sun will take a long time to come up and again shine brightly. But take heart, this could be a fun game.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
Go Blue — Wear Maize!