3 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Indiana

Michigan football and Indiana have reversed roles going into this weekend's matchup. Over the years, the Wolverines are usually the team contending for a Big Ten or a national title.

But this year, between these two programs, that's Indiana. The No. 8 Hoosiers are 9-0 and a couple of wins away from just about guaranteeing themselves a berth in the 12-team playoff.

An impressive win on Saturday would help their cause. Indiana made a point to embarrass Nebraska and I'm sure they want to do the same thing to Michigan football. The Wolverines are a two-touchdown underdog and the Hoosiers, despite a soft schedule, are the real deal.

Indiana has won all six of their Big Ten games by at least 14 points and their lowest scoring output was 31 points, which was the only time in Big Ten play they were held under 40 points.

Curt Cignetti has built a really good team, at least for this season and here are three things to watch for the Wolverines against the Hoosiers.

Embracing the underdog role

Michigan football needs to find some motivation for the past three games. They are one win from a bowl game but I don't know if that's a big motivator anymore for college football players, especially on a team that was in the four-team playoff the past three years.

I would think a winning season matters. Beating Indiana and that becomes much more likely, plus that would be a nice feather in the cap of Sherrone Moore. An upset win would calm the waters because trust me, no matter what Indiana is ranked Michigan football fans won't accept a loss to the Hoosiers.

They especially won't handle a lop-sided loss to Indiana so Michigan football needs to deliver a close loss and a strong efort.