Indiana’s Keys to Senior Day Victory over Michigan

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

The 2019 Indiana football squad has accomplished many victories and milestones unmarked in the past 25-plus years. First, a bowl bid in October, a win at Nebraska, and then the No.24 ranking in the Associated Press Poll. This Saturday’s home game against No. 12 Michigan poses as another opportunity for the 2019 Hoosiers to make history. If the Hoosiers want a win for the 16 members of the 2019 senior class’ last home game, and victory over the Wolverines for the first time since 1987, they will have to successfully accomplish the following.

Shut down Shea Patterson 

After last week’s victory over Michigan State, Patterson did not hesitate sharing his thoughts about Saturday’s visit to Bloomington on air: "We gotta go on the road to Indiana, but our eyes are still set on the last one.” Michigan’s quarterback has spoken clearly that he does not see Indiana as a challenge. 

In Michigan’s 28-21 loss at Penn State, Patterson went 24-for-41 (58.5 percent) for 276 yards and totaled 34 rushing yards on 12 attempts and four touchdowns. 

This past week at Penn State, Peyton Ramsey completed 31 of 41 (75.6 percent) for a career-high 371 yards, 31 yards on 12 runs, and three touchdowns.

Offenses are comparable, it’s the defense that will determine the winner of Saturday’s matchup.

If I’m Kane Wommack, I’m replaying that video in practice all week. Patterson gave Hoosier defense the fuel, and now they need to keep the fire alive. 

Stop frivolously throwing away yards 

Silly mistakes came at a hefty cost for the Hoosiers in Happy Valley. Having an extra man on the field twice was a mistake that cannot repeat itself. There is no room for failed fake punts against the Wolverines, who have successfully blocked punts in the past two games. Penalties will kill the buzz for the possibility of an eighth win going into this game. At this point in the season, crisp, clean football is expected to be played, especially against a team like nationally-ranked Michigan. 

Make every play count

Coming together as team with a sense of urgency is probably the most important key going into Saturday’s emotional game. Whop Philyor is unlikely, as he is still in concussion protocol as of Thursday afternoon. Guys like senior wide receivers Donavan Hale and Nick Westbrook will have their chance to make their last catches at Memorial Stadium. David Ellis did a solid job in Philyor’s absence, and it’s the young depth that needs to be ready when they’re called up. It’s all hands on deck for Saturday, and if the Hoosiers play hard for 60 minutes without mistakes, the outcome of this year’s Senior Day can be different from last year’s winnable game that turned into heartbreaking loss of the Old Oaken Bucket.