Michigan Wolverines: Indiana — What Happened and What it Means — Part I
Nov 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) it in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:30am — 11/3/2014
Michigan Wolverines: Indiana — What Happened and What it Means — Part I
We Ain’t Dead Yet
John Wayne, the immortal icon of toughness, had quite a few memorable moments from the original True Grit movie. Even pure pacifists love his charge against Ned Pepper and his stereotypical bad boy crew. One line from that movie is forgotten: when Glen Campbell tells the good folks: “I ain’t dead yet.” Michigan can say the same, at least until Saturday.
Michigan was supposed to win at home against Indiana, but the point pontiffs only had the Wolverines as a one-touchdown favorite. The final result was a methodical and sometimes mundane 34-10 Michigan win.
So, go ahead and sound the trumpet: it was only Indiana. Then remember this same Indiana team gashed Michigan’s defense last year. However, keep in mind the Indiana quarterback situation and the wideouts were much better off than currently, but so is the Hoosier defense, still nowhere close to sterling, but more aggressive and improved.
Nov 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsTheme one: This team continues to show unity; perhaps this is only on the surface, but a close eye can usually tell when a false facade is evident. The team came out with energy, and the fans in the stands did a nice job of showing positive support versus misplaced venom. Coach Hoke seems vented on preaching the togetherness theme and ignore the coming storm.
Theme two: The Michigan defense looked good for the most part. Indiana was one dimensional due to the quarterback injury situation. This places an offense at a significant disadvantage, even with the presence of a high level runner like Tevon Coleman. There were times when the tackling was again high and sloppy. But there were other times when three or four Wolverines met the ball carrier straight on for minimal yardage. Coleman was held to four yards a carry, down significantly from his season average. He busted a few quick hitters for nice first downs, but his overall production was not enough to alter the game result.
Michigan held Indiana scoreless in the first half and gave up only a late parting gift when Indiana was running the ball down 27-3. This was not a matter of Indiana giving up or just running time off the clock, simply put, this was the only effective strategy the Hoosiers could muster. Even with the limitations, the Indiana offense has demonstrated fair results.
Some may find it clumsy to give accolades to the defensive backs and linebackers for good pass defense against an offense as limited as was Indiana’s. But giving up less than 25 yards via the pass deserves at least a mention. Indiana gained almost 200 yards rushing, many after initial contact with Michigan defenders. The youngsters on the interior continued to have good plays and some busts. But Mone looks to be coming on strong and Wormley may have had his best game as a Wolverine. If nothing else, this unit makes a case for claiming improvement. It is not elite, however, solid is an accurate descriptor.
Part II later today.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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