Hoosiers Defense Bullied in the Run Game Against Michigan

Written by Evan Orris

For the second consecutive week, the Indiana Hoosiers defense came out flat.

After allowing 498 yards to the Maryland Terrapins last week, the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines were able to gash IU’s defense for 411 total yards and 29 points in the Hoosiers 29-7 defeat.

The defense got off to a decent start by forcing a punt on the Wolverine’s first offensive possession. However, it would be downhill from there. The next drive was a long, grueling 15-play, 63-yard drive that ended in a field goal. After a minute on the sidelines, the defense had to jump right back onto the field after a fumble. This set up Michigan with great field position, which ultimately led to a two-yard rushing touchdown from Hassan Haskins.

Haskins was the biggest problem for the defense. With co-starter Blake Corum leaving the game with an injury, Haskins was able to gain 168 yards—including a 62-yard run that set up Michigan’s second touchdown-- with an average of 6.2 yards per carry. The defense. Even though Haskins was able to run wild, the defense still managed to take a stand in short-yardage situations and did not let him plow through the line for a first down. Quarterback Cade McNamara threw for 168 yards and two scores.ass

Despite the defense’s troubles, there are plenty of excuses as to why they folded. To start the game, defensive backs Taiwan Mullen, Reese Taylor, and Josh Sanguinetti were all ruled out of the game. The unit had to turn to receiver Jaylin Williams, who played safety in high school, to play in the secondary. They also lost other players including James Miller and Jaren Handy.

“We have had a ton of foot and ankle injuries, and I don’t know how you prevent those to be honest with you. So, I guess we’ve just been unfortunate,” Said head coach Tom Allen on the team’s injury plagued-season. “We hardly had any last year and it’s been the exact opposite this year.” 

The defense also needed to be perfect, yet again, to make up for the offense’s inefficiencies, yet again. The offense only gained 195 total yards—88 in the air and 107 on the ground. This led to the defense being out on the field for about 33 minutes.  

“Just to be able complementary football, where the offense and defense work off each other hasn’t been the case this season,” Allen said. “It’s a big reason why we haven’t had the success we were expected to have.”

With the loss, IU is eliminated from bowl contention. They will play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights next week. "The expectations were high at the beginning. This isn't what we expected. This one hurts." said Linebacker Micah McFadden after the game.