Five Keys to a Homecoming Win Over No. 17 Michigan

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Tom Allen and the staff will have the Hoosiers ready for their battle against Michigan Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Tom Allen and the staff will have the Hoosiers ready for their battle against Michigan Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers welcome in the Michigan Wolverines for homecoming on Saturday and the Hoosiers are primed to spring the upset. Here are five things the Hoosiers need to do in order to take down Jim Harbaugh and Michigan Saturday afternoon.

1. Win the Turnover Battle

The Hoosiers rank 123rd nationally (minus-7) and the Wolverines (minus-5) rank slightly higher at 108th nationally in turnover margin. This game could come down to who ever holds on to the ball the most. The Hoosiers have had trouble creating turnovers as well taking the ball away from opponents just four times, however Michigan has given it away 12 times. Something has to give. With a vaunted Michigan defense, Indiana will need to create some great field position with takeaways.

2. Avoid a Repeat of Penn State

The Hoosiers are going to be amped for this game. It’s Michigan, homecoming and a chance to make a mark on national television, so getting off to a good start is vital. IU needs to avoid the start they had in Happy Valley when they were down 28-0 after one and really took themselves out of the game with mistakes before the midway point of the first quarter. If IU can settle into this game without giving up monster plays, they’ll be right there all afternoon and have a really good chance at getting the win.

3. Feed off the Homecoming Crowd

Some say homecoming is an overrated concept, it’s just like any other game except that there is a parade Friday night and some alumni will be back in town. I whole-heartedly disagree. Homecoming is a special weekend. IU is really close to their second sell out of the season and the crowd is ready for IU to ‘breakthrough’ against a top-25 team. The Hoosiers need to channel that energy into big plays on offense and defense and give these Hoosier alums something to get excited about.

4. Play Loose

One of the big advantages for the Indiana Hoosiers is that they are playing with house money this week and should play free and loose. Michigan, on the other hand, is going to be wound tighter than a drum on Thanksgiving since they are coming off a loss to Michigan State and have a date with Penn State next week. All of the pressure is on Jim Harbaugh and Michigan and that pressure shouldn’t shift to Indiana at all. Playing loose and free should help limit mistakes from IU. The tighter team will make more mistakes in this one.

5. Make John O’Korn Beat You

Michigan is starting their number two quarterback on Saturday in John O’Korn. He has completed around 56-percent of his passes and has thrown just one touchdown to four interceptions. Indiana must make O’Korn beat them in the air. IU’s secondary is a strength of for the defense and should have ample opportunity to create some takeaways if O’Korn starts airing it out.