Indiana's Offense Dented Michigan's Defense, but Ultimately Fell Short

Written by Nathan Comp

The task at hand was always going to be daunting: the second top-five ranked opponent of the 2018 season, and the eighth since the start of 2015. Michigan entered the game boasting one of the best defenses in the nation, with the statistics to back that up. Playing on the road against such a team would be no easy task. However, all things considered, the Indiana offense showed some promise. Despite an eventual 31-20 defeat, the Indiana offense flashed enough to get excited for the upcoming “bucket and a bowl” game against Purdue.

The strongest showing of the game once again came from true freshman running back Stevie Scott. Scott came into the game needing just 106 yards to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the season. With two games remaining, achieving this feat seemed extremely likely. What most didn’t expect, however, was surpassing this season goal against the stout Michigan defense. Michigan was only allowing 219 total yards a game. Scott ignored the doubters and carried the Indiana offense, finishing with 30 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown. This 5th 100-yard performance of the season tied Anthony Thompson’s Indiana record for most 100-yard performances as a true freshman. His 13-yard touchdown scamper was capped off with his silencing gesture to the crowd, a symbolic act that accurately described his performance against the Michigan defense. Scott finished the day by moving into the top spot for rushing yards by a true freshman running back at IU in a season, with one game still left to play.

The second best showing of the day came from the leader of the Indiana offense, quarterback Peyton Ramsey. His resilience shined bright from the beginning of the game, when Ramsey took a surefire Kwity Paye sack – and managed to instead turn it into a 15-yard scamper by landing on top of the defender, avoiding making contact with the ground, and scrambling for a first down. He continued to make plays, both through the air and with his legs, for the remainder of the game. He was the first quarterback to complete double digit passes since Michigan faced Northwestern on September 29th, and also managed to convert multiple 3rd downs with his legs. Ramsey finished with 195 yards passing and 51 yards rushing.

Overall, the Indiana offense finished with 385 total yards: 190 on the ground, and 195 through the air, the second-most allowed by Michigan this season.

Despite the strong performance, Indiana was still handed its 6th defeat of the season. It will have one final shot at bowl eligibility, next week against Purdue (5-6).