Special Teams and Smith Propel Wolverines to 20-10 Win

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Michigan Wolverines (10-1) lengthy winning streak against the Indiana Hoosiers was in serious doubt as the Indiana Hoosiers led 10-6 late in the third quarter and the sputtering Michigan offense faced a third and eight. John O'Korn was nearly sacked by a couple of IU defenders but he wriggled free and found open space near the sideline. He scampered for 30 yards on the play and the quiet Michigan Stadium crowd roared to life. De'Veon Smith scored the home team's first touchdown of the game on the next play and the Michigan took a 13-10 lead that they would not relinquish en route to a 20-10 victory. The defeat dropped the Hoosiers to 5-6 and, for the second straight season, they will need to knock off rival Purdue in the season finale next Saturday to return to a bowl game. 

Michigan was without starting quarterback Wilton Speight and Houston transfer John O'Korn got the start. He was shaky throughout the first quarter as both offenses failed to find any rhythm and the opening period ended scoreless. The Wolverines were controlling field position though and they struck first, capitalizing on good starting position and connecting on a 28 yard field goal from Kenny Allen. The Hoosiers answered quickly as they marched on a 75 yard drive that ended with a Camion Patrick rushing touchdown. The rushing score was only the fourth one surrendered by Michigan's excellent defense. The Wolverines were unable to score on their ensuing drive and IU nearly ran out the remainder of the first half clock and took a 7-3 lead into the locker room. It was the first half-time deficit Michigan faced all season.

The Hoosiers quickly went three and out on its first possession of the second half and Michigan started its drive on the IU 41 yard line. The Wolverines moved into scoring territory but bogged down and was forced to settle for another Kenny Allen field goal. The Indiana Hoosiers stemmed the Wolverine momentum, embarking on a drive that got them inside of ten yard line. However, they squandered a first and goal at the six yard line and only scored three points as Griffin Oakes hit a short field goal to make the score 10-6 IU. John O'Korn's big third down run and De'Veon Smith's score occurred to put UM ahead 13-10 and IU went three and out on the next possession. After the team's traded unsuccessful drives, Michigan's offense again started with great field position, this time at the IU 39. Once again, Michigan's only good play was handing the ball to De'Veon Smith as he darted for a 39 yard touchdown to put the game away for Michigan. The Hoosiers never threatened to cut into the lead and Michigan went on a time-consuming drive to kill off the game as the heavy snow fell on the field at the Big House. 

Indiana's offense was led by Richard Lagow's 180 passing yards and 50 yards rushing from Devine Redding as they totaled 260 yards on the day. Michigan's offense was held in check by an excellent effort from IU's defense but they ultimately did just enough on the ground to come away with the win. The Wolverines totaled 284 yards of offense with just 59 yards through the air but it was the play of the De'Veon Smith and their special teams unit that separated the two squads. Smith ran for 158 yards and the Wolverines blocked two punts and consistently dominated field position with a superior punting game. Michigan will now battle Ohio State with a spot in the College Football Playoff likely on the line. The Indiana Hoosiers will return home to take on the Purdue Boilermakers needing a victory to retain the Old Oaken Bucket for a fourth straight season and gain bowl eligibility for the second straight season.