Indiana's Keys on Defense to a Win Over Michigan

Jaylin Williams defends a pass Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers take on the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday in Bloomington. The Hoosiers have been close recently to knocking off Michigan, but have not done so since 1987. This very well may be the best IU football team since that time. So what does Indiana’s defense need to do to come out on top? Let me tell you.

1. Continue to Create Havoc Plays

Havoc plays are defined as interceptions, fumbles forced, passes broken up, sacks and tackles for loss. Great defenses cause havoc for the opposing offenses. The Hoosiers are 2-0 and ranked 13th in the nation mainly because of those kinds of plays. The Hoosier defense has forced six takeaways and have four turnovers on downs on fourth down stops. IU also is averaging seven tackles for loss this season to go along with 2.5 sacks per game.

Against Rutgers, the Indiana secondary provided much of that havoc. Against Michigan, a team who has more talent on the outside, the Hoosiers will just have to be that much better in coverage and getting home with their blitz packages.

In Michigan’s first two games, the Wolverines did not turn the ball over on offense. For an offense that doesn’t look as explosive as people had hoped, it is key for the Wolverines to hold on to the football. The Wolverines have also only allowed two sacks and nine tackles for loss this season.

2. No Freebies

Last week the penalties committed by the Hoosier defense left a sour taste in IU’s mouths. 15 of Rutgers 21 points came off of drives that were extended by Indiana roughing the passer penalties. So far this season the Hoosiers have gifted opponents six first downs via penalty. That just cannot happen against Michigan at that rate. Indiana’s defense has been on the field for 155 plays and an average of 33:55 seconds per game. At some point the defense needs a rest before it gets burned out.

3. Tackle, Tackle, Tackle

Tackling had been an issue for the majority of college football programs. However, Indiana’s ability to bring the ball carrier down after first contact has been very good. It will be key again against the Wolverines as a missed tackle or two could turn a small gain into a game busting play. Michigan does have the speed and talent to score from distance, if tackles aren’t made.

4. Score

It is a lot to ask for, but the defense needs to either score or create points for Indiana’s offense. Through two games, the Hoosiers have scored a whopping 27 points off of turnovers. A defense cannot count on a pick six or a scoop ‘n’ score, but Tom Allen wants his defense to get three takeaways per game. The Hoosiers will need to cash those in for points and field position to help out an offense that has seen its own hiccups in 2020.

The Hoosiers and Wolverines kickoff on Saturday, November 7th at Noon ET on FS1. Hoosier Huddle will have all your Indiana football coverage throughout the week. Join the Hoosier Huddle team at 11:50 on HotMic.io.