3 keys for Michigan Football against Indiana
By Josh LaFond
The Wolverines look every part of a playoff contender. What do they need to do to walk out of Bloomington, Indiana with a win?
After overcoming the Iowa curse — where prior to last Saturday, Michigan football hasn’t won since 2005 — the Wolverines look primed and ready for another run at the Big Ten title, and a potential playoff berth.
Standing in their way this week? The Indiana Hoosiers.
It’s been a long time since Indiana football had this much recent success. Under head coach Tom Allen, the Hoosiers have played in more bowl games and had won more games than any coach post-Bill Mallory, who led the program from 1984-1996.
This year though? It’s been up and down, to say the least.
After upsetting the Illinois Fighting Illini’ in week one, they then went on to struggle in a win against an FCS opponent (Idaho), and nearly dropped the following game to Western Kentucky. Those are their three wins. The two losses? They’ve come in consecutive weeks losing to Cincinnati 45-24, and most recently to Nebraska 35-21.
What version of the Hoosiers will we see Saturday? We can only speculate until then.
Regardless of what Indiana team takes the field on Saturday, the bigger question is, “what does Michigan need to do to win”? What are their keys to victory?
Let’s get into it.
Open up the passing game
Indiana enters this game ranked below Colorado State which Michigan football played in week one in total defense, allowing over 5.5yds per play, and over 420yds a game.
They rank behind all three of Michigan’s out-of-conference teams in passing yards allowed. Indiana is giving up just 277yds passing per game, 8yds per completion, and 12yds per attempt.
Not great, Bob.
Even worse for the Hoosiers?
The struggles they’ve had earlier this year on defense should come to a head Saturday as the core of J.J. McCarthy, Roman Wilson, Luke Schoonmaker, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards will be the most talented unit they’ve had the task of defending. This will be the best offense as a whole they’ve played to date.
For Michigan football to win this game they might even have to run the ball a single time. Open up the passing game, and let McCarthy build his confidence by connecting on the deep shots that have alluded him thus far.