Indiana Defense Needs to be “11 Strong” Against Michigan

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana’s defense came into Saturday’s game in Lincoln with a chip on their shoulder after being blown out by Cincinnati. However, the defense still seemed to struggle this week against Nebraska. 

Anthony Grant ran for 136 yards against the Hoosiers and Casey Thompson threw for almost 300 yards.

A blocked punt for a touchdown didn’t help the Hoosiers, but they seemed to settle down during the third quarter until ultimately giving up two scores in the fourth quarter. 

There was one key play by the defense in the second quarter with a strip sack by Cam Jones and recovered in the end zone by Myles Jackson for a touchdown. 

Now the Hoosiers turn their heads to Michigan who is the number four team in the country, and has one of the best offenses in the conference.

One of the things that Chad Wilt looks at when watching film is how teams are scoring touchdowns. The Wolverines have 19 rushing touchdowns and 8 passing touchdowns on the season so far. 

This is behind Blake Corum, Michigan’s star running back who has been dominant this season. Corum will be a key for the Hoosiers to try and slow down.

“You see a very effective and efficient running game,” Wilt said. “They don’t create negative for themselves.”

Wilt continued to say many position groups are “effective and efficient,” this includes JJ McCarthy the Wolverines new starting quarterback who is dangerous with his arms as well as his legs.

Dasan McCullough has continued to impress throughout his first career games for the Hoosiers. He added in a sack for the defense against Nebraska as well.

“You ask him to do the same things over and over,” Wilt said when talking about McCullough improving and developing. “This is so he can become effective and efficient.”

Michigan has gone through many new coordinators during Jim Harbaugh’s time, but there is always some continuity in their identity, according to Wilt.

One key aspect that hurt the defense was fatigue. The offense wasn’t able to keep them off the field for much of the game and they quickly became tired towards the end of the game.

“We’re attempting to play as many guys as possible, so when we get to the fourth quarter, the best players are still fresh and still have gas left in the tank,” Wilt said.

Wilt went on to talk about playing the younger guys means there are going to be some mistakes. Those players need to understand that if they’re in the game, they’re starters. 

“We’re 11 strong,” Wilt said.”Nobody has got to go be Superman, and make every play. All you gotta do is be a man and do your job to the best of your ability.” 

Indiana will get to work as they face their toughest test of the season as Michigan comes to town on homecoming.