Last Week at The Wolverine Den

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The Michigan Wolverines return to action on Saturday to face the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. The Hoosiers went from 3-9 last year (1-8 in the Big Ten) to 9-0 this year and ranked #8 in the nation. How did the Hoosiers make such an unbelievable turnaround? It started with the hiring of a new coach, Curt Cignetti. Cignetti had been very successful at James Madison University. At his press conference when hired, he was asked why he deserved to be hired at a Big Ten school. He responded, "It's simple, I win…Google me". A total of 30 transfers were added to Indiana's roster this year and the Hoosiers are winning. It's the first time in their history they are 9-0. IU has long been a basketball school but this year they are trying to win their first Big Ten football championship since 1967. And they have a legitimate chance.

Pre-game Menu

Bacon wrapped filet
Twice baked potatoes
Salad

Indiana is the only team in the nation that has a top 8 ranked offense and a top 8 ranked defense. They have scored 46.6 points per game and have scored an average of 19.6 points more than the average points given up by each opponent (highest margin in the nation). QB Kurtis Rourke is a transfer from Ohio University in the MAC. He was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. He suffered a serious knee injury at the end of 2022 that affected his play in 2023. In 2024, he transferred to Indiana for his 6th year. He is currently 2nd in the nation in passing efficiency, which is not a fluke given that he was 5th in the nation in passing efficiency in 2022 while at Ohio U. He completes a high percentage and balances the offense between run and pass. 17 different players have scored a touchdown this year for IU.

The Wolverine Den Trivia

Q: Michigan has set several all-time records (both individual and team) in games against Indiana. How many can you name?

A: Jake Moody-most field goals in a game (6) in 2018, Team-most penalties in a game (16) in 2017, Jake Rudock-most passing TDs in a game (6) in 2015, Jehu Chesson-most receiving TDs in a game (4) in 2015, Devin Gardner-most passing yards in a game (503) in 2013, Devin Gardner-most yards gained in a game (584) in 2013, Jeremy Gallon-most receiving yards in a game (369) in 2013, Team-most total yards (751) in 2013, Team-most points in a quarter (35) in 2000, Leroy Hoard-highest rushing yards per carry (18.28) in 1988, Frederick Grambau-most fumbles recovered in a game (2) in 1972, Jerry Hartman-most forced fumbles in a game (3) in 1967.

The defense for Indiana is no slouch. The Hoosiers are 3rd in the nation in Total Defense and lead the Big Ten (top ten nationally) in sacks and Tackles-for-loss. Makail Kamara is the top sacker while Aiden Fisher is 3rd in the Big Ten in tackles. Indiana commits less than 5 penalties per game, hasn't missed a field goal or an extra point and the punter averages over 44 yards per punt. IU has a +10-turnover margin.

But…They haven't played anyone. Only 2 of their 9 opponents have a winning record (Nebraska and Washington are both 5-4). 7 of their 9 opponents rank 99th or worse in Total Offense. They look really good on paper but is it just a reflection of the lack of competition? They also have not faced any adversity. Their closest games have been by 14 points and their win average is 32.9 points. Before last week's game, they had never trailed in game this year.

Michigan can compete with this undefeated team. It will take a strong game on defense to hold down the scoring. Like last week, the key is to control the tempo of the game while not turning the ball over or committing turnovers. Getting back to a strong rushing attack is critical to that end.

Michigan leads the all-time series with Indiana 62-10 and are 20-2 at Memorial Stadium. This will be only the 4th time in the last 50 years that Indiana is ranked when playing against Michigan and only the 5th time that Michigan is unranked against Indiana.

The Wolverines are a 14-point underdog.

Post-Game Summary

The Michigan Wolverines lost for the 5th time in 2024, this time it was to the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers by a score of 20-15. Michigan started slowly and found themselves down 17-3 at halftime. But the Wolverines stepped up in the 2nd half where the Michigan defense held the vaunted Indiana offense to only 18 total yards. But the Wolverines just could quite get over the 1st half deficit. While the defense held IU to 200 yards and 26 points below their season average, Michigan had no big plays and scored 3 field goals rather than converting touchdowns. The longest play for the Wolverines was only 16 yards. Michigan is now 0-3 on the road this year.

Craig's Prediction

27-24

Steve's Prediction

27-24

Tim's Prediction

28-24

Brown's Prediction

28-27

Craig 26½, Tim 25, Steve 25, Brown 23½