For the first time since 1967, the Indiana Hoosiers (7-1) left Michigan Stadium with a victory. It was an offensive slog for both teams and IU only threw for 81 yards with one completion after halftime but the Hoosiers’ defense was awesome and led Indiana to a 13-6 overtime victory. A pair of first half turnovers by Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr led to two field goals for the Indiana Hoosiers and a late defensive stand limited the Wolverines to a field goal that took the game to overtime. Josh Hoover, despite appearing severely limited all game, completed a 21-yard pass to Brock Schott on the first play of overtime and then ran over a Michigan defender for the game’s only touchdown. In fitting fashion, the Indiana defense got a stop on fourth down and won the contest for the Hoosiers. It marks the first time in history that IU has beaten Michigan in consecutive meetings (IU won in Bloomington in 2024).
How it Happened For the Hoosiers
-Indiana’s offense was, in a word, atrocious. The Hoosiers were as conservative as they could possibly be. In the second half, Indiana attempted a grand total of one pass. Either Josh Hoover was hurt (in which case, why was he in?) or the coaching staff lost all faith in him.
-Thankfully, the defense was fantastic. The Hoosiers limited Michigan to just 93 yards in the first half and forced a pair of turnovers that led to IU’s six points.
-Michigan took possession with 7:32 remaining and drove inside the IU five-yard line but the Hoosiers stiffened and a sack by Rolijah Hardy forced a field goal on the final play of regulation to send the game to overtime.
-On the first play of overtime, Josh Hoover laced a pass to Brock Schott for a 21-yard gain. On the second play, Hoover ran through a Michigan defender for a touchdown to make it 13-6.
-Tommy Carr converted a 4th and 5 with a scramble to keep Michigan’s drive alive. However, a second fourth down conversion was not in the cards as a desperation pass fell incomplete.
Key Statistics From IU’s 13-6 Win
-The Hoosiers won despite only throwing for 81 yards with eight completions.
-Indiana’s running game was mostly successful against a stout defense. IU had 35 carries for 131 yards plus Josh Hoover had the game’s only touchdown on the ground.
-Michigan had some success with Tommy Carr scrambling but Indiana’s defense was amazing, particularly against the run. The Wolverines only managed 57 yards on 42 carries.
-The Indiana defense racked up 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. Rolijah Hardy led the way with 9 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. Tobi Osunsanmi was, again, a menace.
-Indiana was penalized six times for 50 yards but only one of those flags came after halftime.
What’s Next for the 7-1 Hoosiers?
Indiana returns home for a Homecoming clash against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Halloween at 3:30. After that, IU gets a much-needed bye week.
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