For One Quarter the Offense Sparked Hope, Then it was Extinguished

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers dominated the first quarter against the second-ranked Michigan Wolverines. They ran 17 plays, scored seven points, outgained Michigan 141-17 and became the first team to lead Michigan at the end of the first quarter in 2023. However, football games are four quarters and Michigan outscored IU 52-0 the rest of the way.

Tayven Jackson started the game for the Hoosiers and commanded the first two drives. The offense moved the ball well on the second drive, but a misfire from Jackson resulted in a red zone interception. Jackson went 7-of-11 passing for 52 yards in his first two series.

In a planned move, Branden Sorsby took over for the next two drives and led the Hoosiers to a touchdown, a double pass that had former QB Donaven McCulley hit Jaylin Lucas for a 44-yard score.

The Hoosier offense looked serviceable under new coordinator Rod Carey until it didn’t.

Jackson returned to the field for the Hoosiers second drive of the third quarter and it ended in disaster as he was sacked and fumbled. Jackson’s day ended in the fourth quarter on another drive that resulted in a fumble lost. He finished 7-of-13 passing with two fumbles lost and an interception.

Sorsby, who looked quicker in his reads and gave the Hoosier offense life with his legs, finished 6-of-15 for 44 yards and was sacked three times.

The flip-flopping at quarterback is less than ideal for IU, although not surprising, who is trying to find some sort of rhythm on offense.

While the plan coming into the game was to play the hot hand according to Allen, there was no plan if there was not a hot hand. Allen added that Jackson did suffer a minor injury to his throwing hand and that the Hoosiers will not continue to rotate quarterbacks.

Donaven McCulley, a former quarterback, told reporters postgame that it’s hard to find a groove when there is constant change.

“I think it is really hard to like get yourself in a routine and like get other guys know routine.” McCulley said.

The offense looked better, but that was not a high bar to clear and if the Hoosiers cannot put together four good quarters against Rutgers, everything may be extinguished.