IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Michigan If…

On Saturday, the 6-1 Indiana Hoosiers roll into Ann Arbor, Michigan, with some unfinished business. The 4-2 Michigan Wolverines lead the series 36-7 all time at Michigan Stadium, winning 22 straight games in their home stadium. Michigan hasn’t lost a game against Indiana at Michigan Stadium since their 1967 season. The Hoosiers will look to disrupt that number and rebound after a tough loss to Ohio State last weekend. Indiana will raise the victory flag against Michigan if…

The Unknowns of Tommy Carr:

After Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood recorded a 45.5 passing rate and threw two interceptions against Penn State last weekend, head coach Kyle Whittingham felt that a change was necessary. Freshman Tommy Carr was called upon in the third quarter to ignite a spark. Carr went on to complete 5 of 7 passes for 47 yards. With three minutes left, Carr sealed the win with a 12-yard rushing touchdown. Even under Carr’s brief tenure in the game, he was able to move the offense forward, orchestrating a solid rushing attack and becoming the change that Michigan needed. It was this performance that has now led Whittingham to name the freshman quarterback the starter in Saturday’s game.

This Indiana defense is a tall task for any inexperienced player, and Carr is quite literally being thrown into the fire with his first start. The Hoosiers should be able to use Carr’s inexperience to their advantage. Linebackers Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy will make it difficult for Carr. Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines will likely dial up more interior pressure through interior defensive linemen Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino. Last weekend, the Hoosiers totaled four sacks against Julian Sayin, and this week marks the perfect opportunity to build on pass rush momentum.

Although Carr’s inexperience is favorable, it also puts the Hoosiers in a tough position. Carr has little to no film at the Power Four level, making him a difficult player to plan for. The Hoosiers should be ready to adjust to uncertainties and surprises that Carr throws at them. This is not a game that can be taken half-heartedly; this defense has to be ready for any situation, and that has to be true at all levels of the Hoosier defense.

Measuring Indiana’s Response:

Loses are difficult, especially to a team that has built a brand off of winning for the last year. After last weekend’s 19-15 loss to a great Ohio State team, the Hoosiers now have an opportunity to set the tone. A team’s response to a loss is just as important to securing a win. So how will Indiana respond? Will they use Michigan as an opportunity?

Indiana’s ability to respond with intent, motive, and productivity will not only secure them the win on Saturday, but also quiet the noise. Despite the loss last weekend, the Hoosiers played with heart and were in the race every step of the way, but an accidental out-of-bounds step by Nick Marsh gave Ohio State the win. However, Marsh had multiple plays that kept Indiana within reach. He recorded three receptions for 57 yards, averaging 19.0 yards per catch, and recorded one touchdown. Hoover threw for 296 yards, completing 40 of his 50 passes and recording one touchdown. Charlie Becker had a dominant game as well, recording nine passes for 165 yards. The Hoosiers offense had all the parts and attacked well; they just fell short, as many teams do. However, the matchup against Michigan offers an opportunity for this offense to do the same, but this time close out. The Hoosiers likely have a small chip on their shoulder, so that, combined with an overall strong offensive performance with few mistakes, should get the Hoosiers a win in Michigan Stadium.