Rise and shine Tailgaters; it’s Gameday! Welcome back to Hoosier Huddle’s newest weekly column: Tidbits for the Tailgate. Each week I’ll break down what you need to know before you head to the lots at Memorial Stadium: from players to watch, to what’s happening in other games, to tips for a successful tailgate.

What You Missed Last Week

Start the Carr

Perhaps most relevant to the Hoosiers is what happened in the second half of the Michigan-Penn State game. After Bryce Underwood continued to struggle, throwing two picks in the first half, Michigan made a QB change to true-freshman Tommy Carr. The Michigan native is the grandson of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and the brother of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr. Carr provided an immediate spark to the Wolverines scoring 21 points in the second half, as Michigan won 21-18.

How Long is a Second? (Again)

It feels like we’ve done this before. Another week, another clock scandal. After a back-and-forth game between #3 Notre Dame and #8 BYU, the Fighting Irish found themselves trailing 28-24 in the red zone with 9 seconds left. CJ Carr’s pass was broken up in the end zone and it appeared as though there was a second left on the clock, yet the game was ruled over. Tough break for the Irish, as the Big 12 has released a statement saying that the end play was incorrectly officiated.

War Damn Eagle

Fresh off their historic win against Alabama, the #1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs hosted the 3-2 Auburn Tigers. What appeared like it would be a cakewalk for the Dawgs quickly turned into a dogfight as Auburn took a 17-14 lead in the second quarter. Georgia was able to tie the game at 24 in the 4th; however, a Gunner Stockton fumble set up a game-winning kick for Auburn as the Tigers won 27-24.

Canes Survive

On a Saturday that saw many of the top-ranked teams get upset, the Miami Hurricanes just narrowly survived an upset scare at the hands of the Florida State Seminoles, who were searching for a season-saving win. In a game that went all the way down to the last play of 2OT, Miami was able to survive and advance as they moved to 6-0.

Hoosiers’ Matchup

Michigan Wolverines

Campus: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Mascot: Wolverines

Record This Season: 4-2

2025 Record: 9-4 (Lost to Texas in Citrus Bowl)

Series Record: Indiana is 11-62 (3 ties) against Michigan

Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (1st Season at Michigan, 4-2 Record)

Conference: Big Ten

What to Watch For

Contain QB Run and TE Pass Attack

There are two areas of concern in the Indiana defense, containing the quarterback run and covering tight ends in the passing game. On paper, the personnel that Michigan has should be a matchup nightmare for IU. Tommy Carr has shown his running abilities in limited game action with nearly two long speed-option touchdown runs, and the Wolverine TE room is full of talented players. However, Michigan seems dead set on running an offensive scheme that does not fit their players or playstyle. If the Wolverines start playing to suit their playstyle, it will be paramount for the Hoosiers to contain Carr and the tight ends.

Two QB Packages

Just because Tommy Carr is the starter does not mean we have seen the last of Bryce Underwood. I would not be surprised if Underwood comes in at certain points during the game to give the defense a different look. Similar to what Michigan did with Alex Orji in years past. Indiana should have a gameplan for both quarterbacks.

End the Streak

It has been a long time since the Hoosiers last won at the Big House, like 60 years. The last Indiana win in Ann Arbor occurred on October 21, 1967, when the Hoosiers beat the Wolverines 27-20 on their way to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance. Indiana is looking to snap the losing streak at the Big House on Saturday.

Tailgate Tip of the Week

Go to Zingerman’s

One of the best delis in the world is located in the Kerrytown district of Ann Arbor. Known for its fresh bread and reuben sandwich that is one of President Obama’s favorites, don’t miss this Ann Arbor institution.

Sing Mr. Brightside

It’s become a gameday tradition for the Wolverines over the past decade; at the start of the Fourth Quarter the stadium sings the 2004 hit by The Killers and continues to sing even after the Stadium DJ cuts off the music. Since then it has spread to all sports and become the unofficial anthem of Ann Arbor.