5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Indiana

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates a touchdown against UNLV scored by running back Blake Corum (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates a touchdown against UNLV scored by running back Blake Corum (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. /
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The Wolverines will be back in the Big House on Saturday and here are five things to watch for Michigan football against Indiana. 

Michigan football is rolling right now. The Wolverines are 6-0, ranked second in both the AP and Coaches polls and the defense has been flat-out dominant.

Michigan football is allowing 6.7 points per game on defense. The Wolverines also haven’t allowed a single goal-to-go opportunity this season.

Indiana ranks 120th in the FBS in scoring offense. The Hoosiers also just changed offensive coordinators during their bye week last week.

That’s not exactly ideal heading into a matchup with the best-scoring defense in the country. The Hoosiers also have the 65th-best scoring defense. They are also a 33.5-point underdog.

Looking ahead to this Big Ten matchup, here are five things to watch for the Wolverines.

The Michigan running game should be licking its chops

Indiana has played teams tough this season. Just look back at the Ohio State game. However, the Hoosiers just don’t have the talent of the Wolverines.

Indiana has allowed 4.7 yards per rushing attempt this season, which isn’t a great sign when you are taking on a Michigan running game that’s been stellar.

The Wolverines are averaging fewer than 200 yards per game and are third in the Big Ten, but some of that is because the passing game is much better.

Blake Corum got just nine carries for 69 yards last week. With two defensive touchdowns, the offense didn’t need to do as much and it’s smart to be smart with the running back usage.

Indiana will battle, as it always does, but I feel like Blake gets his second 100-yard game of the season against a run defense that will wear down.