Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What: Indiana Hoosiers (3-2) vs. Michigan Wolverines (4-1)

When: Saturday, October 14 at Noon

Where: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on ABC. Fans can also listen to the game on the IU Radio Network with the legendary Don Fischer on the call.

What’s at Stake

The numbers have been repeated ad nauseam for the majority of the past couple of weeks. IU has not beaten Michigan since 1987. The Hoosiers have only knocked off the Wolverines twice in the past 50 years. Michigan has dominated this series…that is an indisputable fact. While the lopsided nature and history of this contest will not be changed in one week, the 30 year streak could come to an end. The Hoosiers will be looking to improve to 4-2 and it would be the first Big Ten victory for head coach Tom Allen (first three conference games of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan…yikes). A victory would be a signal that the Indiana football program has not only improved, it is a force to be reckoned with for even the blue bloods in the Big Ten. In short, it would be a breakthrough. The Michigan Wolverines are attempting to get off the mat after being knocked off by Michigan State. A win would keep their hopes of a Big Ten title for at least another week and it would restore a bit of confidence in the direction their program is headed.

A Few Things to Look For

A Pair of Terrific Defenses – Despite playing a pair of very high-powered offenses, the Indiana Hoosiers have performed admirably on defense and are in position to have a true top 25 unit. Michigan is in the top five nationally in several defensive categories and defensive coordinator Don Brown is one of the best in the business. Chase Winovich leads the squad in sacks and Devin Bush is a budding star that can change a game by getting into the backfield or making a play in coverage. The game could very well be a “first to 20” wins type of contest and first downs should be pretty hard to come by for both sides.

IU Attack Must Step Up – Peyton Ramsey was very impressive in last week’s contest against Charleston Southern and it was great that he was able to get a full game of snaps under his belt before strapping it on against Michigan. That being said, there is nothing he can do to prepare for going against the pressurized defense of Don Brown and the Wolverines. How will he respond and how will the IU offensive line protect him? UM gave up 192 yards against Florida, 200 against Cincinnati, 232 against Air Force, 189 against Purdue and 252 against Michigan State. They have suffocated ground games and shut down passing attacks. That being said, I think it is fair to say the Hoosiers have the best group of weapons the Wolverines have faced, particularly in the passing game with Simmie Cobbs, Ian Thomas and the emerging Taysir Mack. IU’s offensive line will need to give Ramsey a chance, the redshirt freshman from Ohio will need to make good decisions and the Hoosiers will need to find some semblance of a running attack but the pieces are in place for IU to at least test this Michigan defense in a way they have yet to be tested by teams like Florida, MSU, Air Force, Cincinnati and Purdue.

Special Teams in a Big Game – Prior to the Penn State game, I wrote that the Hoosiers would need to at least play the Nittany Lions in special teams if they were to have a chance. Needless to say, the Hoosiers did not come close to doing that. Saquon Barkley returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Hoosiers coughed up a return for a turnover that gave the Nittany Lions great field position and the coverage units struggled all afternoon. That cannot happen again this Saturday. Punt returner J-Shun Harris is questionable for the contest but the Hoosiers are hopeful he’ll be able to play and provide a threat. Haydon Whitehead will likely see lots of action and he’ll need to be solid and flip the field for his defense. Griffin Oakes will need to continue his outstanding work on kicks and kickoffs. The Hoosiers have a realistic shot to knock off Michigan but they cannot afford to lose the special teams battle or have costly errors in the third phase of the game.

The Huddle

Homecoming Primer: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Michigan Wolverines

What’s at Stake

A Few Things to Look For

Other Links

Hoosier Huddle