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| Amber Ainsworth/The Michigan Journal |
Michigan (7-2) will take on Indiana (4-5) this week in
Bloomington as the race for the Big Ten East has changed quickly amongst the
top three teams. If the Wolverines win out (and Ohio State can do something
good just one time in the history of the world), the Wolverines could be
playing in Indy in a few weeks.
….But first, they have a couple tough road games ahead of
them before returning home November 28th for Christmas Day err… “The
Game.”
I’m going to take my breakdown and prediction a new way this
week, rather than breaking it down offensively/defensively between both teams,
I’m just going to type away some thoughts on the game.
This is what we call a “trap game,” it seems like it should
be a breeze because it’s the Indiana Hossiers. The Hoosiers, I don’t believe
they made a football movie named “Hoosiers” did they? No.
However, the Hoosiers have looked pretty good so far this
year despite losing five games. They started off hot, and won their first four
games. They took Michigan State down the wire (although the score doesn’t quite
show it) and they gave the Buckeyes a run for their money. This Indiana team is
actually quite capable of winning any game in the Big Ten, even though they are
0-5 in the conference.
Nate Sudfeld is a very capable quarterback for the Hoosiers,
and can sling the ball all over the field. The problem is, his offensive line
can’t consistently protect him, which plays right into Michigan’s hand as solid
pass rushers.
Jordan Howard took over for Tevin Coleman after he went to
the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft, and has had a solid season thus far,
rushing for 961 yards and seven touchdowns. Devine Redding also has seven
rushing touchdowns on the season, to go along with his 463 yards.
The problem with Indiana is the fact they likely won’t be
able to block Michigan’s defensive line and blitzing linebackers consistently
all game. This will force Sudfeld to make throws, and ultimately make mistakes.
The Michigan defense is going to need to force turnovers in the game to keep
the mediocre Indiana defense on the field, and tire them out.
The Wolverines have struggled on the road for some time now,
but have been winning on the road under Harbaugh (aside from Utah, of course). The
team will need to put any road struggles behind them these next two weeks and
earn wins.
One thing Harbaugh and company are great at doing… Finding
ways to win football games.
The Wolverine offense is likely going to find ease in
running the football. Tim Drevno has done wonders with the offensive line and
each week they’ve just gotten better and better. I expect to see them push
around the Hoosier defense and DeVeon Smith and Drake Johnson will run wild on the
Hoosier defense.
And what did we learn last week? Jake Rudock is more than
capable of throwing the football around if needed.
The biggest focus on this game that I will reiterate is the
play of the Wolverine defense.
Yes the defense is ranked number one in the country, but on
the road in Minnesota they struggled and let Minnesota march down the field
before ultimately stopping them.
Harbaugh needs to rely on his defense to stop the Hoosiers,
and put the ball back in the hands of the offense and Jake Rudock to control
the game.
If the Wolverine offense can control time of possession,
they will have no issues controlling the football game and winning the first of
back to back must-win road games.
Final Prediction:
Michigan 27, Indiana 10
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