Depleted Hoosiers Fall to Wolverines

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers entered Saturday night’s game in Ann Arbor sitting at 2-6 and playing without Michael Penix, Jack Tuttle, Tiawan Mullen and Reese Taylor among several others. More players were injured during the contest and the decimated Hoosiers (2-7) never threatened the #7 Michigan Wolverines (8-1), falling 29-7 to be officially eliminated from bowl contention and assured of a losing season. Donaven McCulley started his second game in a row and showed some promise, particularly on a long run that set up IU’s lone score of the day, but the offense was again an albatross around the team’s neck. The offensive line failed to provide any protection and the Hoosiers sputtered to just 195 yards. Michigan was led by Hassan Haskins who had a career-high 168 yards rushing and Cade McNamara’s 168 yards with two touchdowns through the air.

The Indiana Hoosiers had a solid drive to open the game, getting a couple of first downs and crossing midfield before having to punt. James Evans pinned the Wolverines at the 3-yard line. Michigan got out of the danger zone but had to punt the ball back to Indiana. Matt Bjorson had a first down on a reception but the drive stalled after that, moving backwards after a sack. IU punted back to Michigan and they converted a fourth and short to keep their drive alive. Once inside the red zone, the Wolverines were unable to punch it in and had to settle for a 34-yard field goal from Jake Moody as the first quarter ended. The Hoosiers next drive was not a good one. Stephen Carr was forced to leave the game and then Donaven McCulley was sacked and had the ball stripped from him by David Ojabo. Michigan gained possession at the IU 24 and Hassan Haskins charged into the end zone a few plays later, putting the Wolverines ahead 10-0. The high point of the game for IU came next as Peyton Hendershot had back to back receptions to move the ball across midfield and Donaven McCulley burst for a 28-yard run that set the Hoosiers up at the four-yard line. Two plays later, Chris Childers inched in for the touchdown to make it 10-7. IU’s momentum was brief as Hassan Haskins broke through the IU defense for a 62-yard scamper and Cade McNamara threw to Luke Schoonmaker for a very easy touchdown to go ahead 17-7. The Hoosiers got one first down but had to punt it back away to Michigan. Bryant Fitzgerald sacked McNamara to halt a promising drive at the end of the half and it was 17-7 at intermission.

Michigan began the second half with the ball but the IU defense continued to play well, forcing a quick three and out and providing hope for the Hoosiers. The offense just could not muster anything to take advantage of the opportunity. The Hoosiers went three and out and the Wolverines got into the red zone yet again and yet again were forced to settle for a field goal. Moody connected from 32 yards and it was 20-7. Another three and out for the IU offense put a tired defense back on the field, this time with Michigan taking over at midfield. The Indiana defense got another stop in the red zone and Jake Moody hit another mid-range field goal to make it 23-7. The third quarter ended with no first downs for the Hoosiers and Michigan got the ball back, again with good field position. Luke Schoonmaker caught his second touchdown pass of the day to make it 29-7 but the Wolverines failed the two-point conversion. Devon Matthews intercepted a deflected pass to finally give the IU defense an elusive takeaway but the Hoosiers had to punt it right back and the game ended 29-7.

Hoosier Huddle will have ongoing coverage of yet another defeat.