Know Your Opponent: Michigan Wolverines

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh

Overall: 7th Season, 56-23 (.709) Overall

Bowl Appearances at Michigan: 5

2020 Record: 2-4 (2-4, T5th in the Big Ten East)

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 18 (6-12)

Mascot: N/A

Colors: Maize and Blue

Outfitter: Jordan Brand

National Titles: 11 Claimed, 5 Unclaimed

Conference Titles: 42

Heisman Winners: 3

2021 Record: 7-1

Last Week: LOSS @ Michigan State 37-33

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Cade McNamara (120-190 passing (63.2%), 1498 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs)

Rushing: Blake Corum (129 rushes, 774 yards, 6.0 YPC, 10 TDs)

Receiving: Cornelius Johnson (23 receptions, 348 yards, 3 TDs)

Tackles: Josh Ross (54 tackles, 27 solo, 2 PDs)

Stat of the Week: Michigan is now 2-9 on the road against AP-ranked teams under Jim Harbaugh.

Michigan’s Talking Points

1. Disappointing Loss.

Jim Harbaugh spent his offseason infusing youth into his coaching staff and embracing more modern football schemes. For the first seven games, it looked like he finally had things figured out. And after jumping out to a 30-14 lead this past weekend in East Lansing, the Harbaugh doubters were much quieter.

But things ultimately went south once again against the Wolverines’ in-state rival, and their perfect season was ultimately ruined. Now, Indiana will face an angry Michigan squad looking to prove that they are still contenders in the Big Ten East. And with Ohio State and Penn State still looming on the schedule, they will have their opportunities.

2. Strong Running Back Duo.

Harbaugh is the quarterback whisperer, but he’s not one to shy away from a balanced offensive attack. The engine that gets the Wolverine offense running is a pair of tailbacks, Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins. The duo has rushed for over 1400 yards on the season and 20 combined touchdowns.

“There is no question they run the ball very, very well,” said Tom Allen on Monday. “Very big offensive line. Very physical. Two really talented running backs that have been very effective. Bottom line is, yeah, they've established [an identity] and you can just tell from the very beginning of the season that was what they wanted to be able to do was establish the run game. And they've done a really good job of that.”

3. Allowing Big Run Plays.

There were signs that the Michigan defensive front could fall victim to strong rushing attacks. Nebraska scored a pair of rushing touchdowns of over 40 yards against the Wolverines and Northwestern’s lone score against them came on a 75-yard scamper by running back Evan Hull.

The flood gates were opened Saturday against the Spartans. Kenneth Walker III, a Heisman candidate runner, finished the game having scored five touchdowns and rushing for nearly 200 yards. Over 100 yards came in the second half, where he had runs of 18, 23, 27, and 58 yards.

The Indiana rushing attack has struggled this season, but Carr did get loose for the longest rush of the year this past weekend. With just one career start under Donaven McCulley’s belt, Indiana may lean on their ground game and hope that the Wolverines struggles continue.