Michigan Football: Offense peaking at right time as UM routs Indiana

After another impressive performance, Michigan football and its offense suddenly seem to be peaking at the exact right time.

It’s taken some time and in some ways, it’s still too late for Michigan football, but Shea Patterson and the offense are peaking at right the time.

The latest example came in a 39-14 win over Indiana in a game that many expected to be a battle. Early on, it certainly looked that way as the Hoosiers jumped in front 7-0 and then 14-7.

Yet, armed with an aggressive gameplan centered around Patterson and Michigan’s dynamic wideouts, the Wolverines came out firing.

Donovan Peoples-Jones made an incredible catch to tie the game at 14-14 and then a 24-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nico Collins, made it 21-14 at intermission.

While it felt like the Wolverines were in control, they took their game to an entirely new level in the second half. Michigan opened the half with a field goal, then broke the game open when Collins scored on a 76-yard touchdown reception.

A Josh Uche formed fumble in the third quarter set up another touchdown pass from Patterson to Collins, giving the quarterback five touchdown passes in the game, nine over the past two weeks and 20 for the season.

The defense let Indiana get going early on, but much like last season, it clamped down in the second half, pitching a shutout in the third and fourth quarters.

Daxton Hill, who got the start for Brad Hawkins, notched his first career interception and Uche was a force, as was the entire front seven which allowed only 97 yards rushing and 2.6 yards per carry.

Patterson made one mistake in the fourth, throwing an interception, however, he was still outstanding, completing 20-of-32 passes for 366 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He has now thrown for at least 300 yards in three of his last four games.

And even though it was just Indiana, remember, the Hoosiers were 7-3 coming in. That win along with the victory over Illinois gives Michigan football two road wins over teams going to bowl games along with victories over Notre Dame and Iowa at home.

The big test comes next Saturday against Ohio State. The Buckeyes are still a favorite to reach the playoff and have already clinched a spot in the Big Ten title game.

Michigan can try to keep its Rose Bowl hopes alive, but that’s a long shot. A win though would make the Wolverines season and send them to the New Year’s Six with another 10-win season.

Either way, Michigan football couldn’t be playing any better as it gets ready to try and end the reign of terror.