Michigan Wolverines running back Savion Hiter (5) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Opponent: Michigan Wolverines
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Why They Played
The Hoosiers made their first trip up to Ann Arbor since 2023.
What The Game Meant
This game is a reminder of where Indiana football was before the arrival of Curt Cignetti. A year after erasing most of the losing streaks in program history, the Hoosiers had to chase the ghosts out of their Big House of Horrors. IU had not won at Michigan since 1967.
It was also a chance for Indiana to bounce back after a loss and continue their journey to the College Football Playoff and stay in the Big Ten race. It was not pretty, but that does not matter. This team finds ways to win.
Players of the Game
Offense
Billy Gowers, Punter, Indiana
A week after not punting well, Gowers essentially saved the game for IU, which his hands and his leg. Not only did Gowers save a bad snap from resulting in disaster, he pinned Michigan inside their 20-yard line three times and averaged 45.1 yards per punt.
Nico Radicic, Place Kicker, Indiana
A week after being one of the differences in losing a game, Radicic was a major reason why IU won. He nailed his two field goals and lone extra point, while Michigan’s kicker missed two. It was a solid bounce back for Radicic.
Tommy Carr, Quarterback, Michigan
Carr was put in a tough spot as a true freshman making his first start. He showed flashes of what he could do throwing for 167 yards and running for 42 yards, including some important first downs. He made some big plays late as well to get the game to overtime.
Defense
The Entire Unit
It is difficult to just pinpoint one player, although there were some superstar individual performances, without feeling like I snubbed someone. The Indiana defense was electric on Saturday and was the main reason why IU walked out with a 13-6 win. They recrorded two turnovers, that led to IU’s only points in regulation, had 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. They made the biggest plays at the most important moments.
Chris Bracy, Defensive Back, Michigan
Bracy was stellar for Michigan making 13 tackles including one for a loss and nine solo stops. He was a big reason why IU’s offense was stuck in the mud all afternoon.
Special Teams Performance
A week after being a liability, Indiana’s specialists had a big hand in the win over the Wolverines. Nico Radicic hit two field goals and an extra point, getting back into his usual groove.
Punter Billy Gowers who struggled last week, saved the game by grabbing a bad snap and getting off a solid punt late in the fourth quarter.
Key Stat(s)
2-4 vs. 3-3 in the Red Zone
Michigan had more trips into the red zone on Saturday, but only converted it for two field goals, while they missed a short field goal and were stopped in overtime. Indiana’s red zone defense was a brick wall and made six points stand up as enough to go win with a touchdown in overtime.
IU’s offense cashed in, even though it was with two field goals, early and scored six in overtime to win.
Turning Point
There were a few big momentum swings and Michigan tilted the field in the second half, but when Indiana held Michigan to a game-tying field goal after stopping them on a goal to go situation to get to overtime was massive. That was followed up by Hoover’s 21-yard pass to tight end Brock Schott, the only IU completion of the second half. Hoover ran the ball in the next play for the game’s only touchdown.
I Knew it Was Over When…
Tommy Carr’s pass under duress skipped into the receiver’s hands and was incomplete on fourth down in overtime.
What I Took Away From the Game
The Hoosiers walked out of Michigan Stadium with a win for the first time since 1967. It was not the prettiest game, but that happens from time to tme in football. It was another culture win for IU who has had a few of those this season. Indiana is hard to kill.
The biggest story, beyond the win, will be the health of quarterback Josh Hoover. While he gutted out a win and made the game winning play, he clearly is not and has not been 100% the last couple games. The injury, which is undisclosed, is clearly affecting his ability to throw with accuracy and power. We’ll monitor the situation throughout the week.
As far as permances on the field, Indiana ran the ball better than they have in the last couple of weeks. That should, but probably will not, spark some optimism about the offense getting back into gear. Outside of eight completions, the passing game was hampered by Hoover’s injury and there’s not much more to say about that.
The Hoosier defense is playing at a championship level. They have held the fort down while IU’s offense tries to find the next gear. It’s a big reason as to why IU is 2-1 in the last three games while scoring more than 19 points just once.
What’s Next
The Hoosiers have one more game before a much-needed bye week. IU hosts Minnesota for homecoming on Halloween.
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