IU May Raise the Victory Flag Against Michigan If…

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Nobody is giving the Indiana Hoosiers a chance on Saturday afternoon when they take on the No. Michigan Wolverines at the Big House in Ann Arbor. IU enters the game 2-3 (0-2) and expected to lose by around five touchdowns. What will IU have to do to not only stay in the game, but to pull off a miracle against Michigan. Well, here’s what IU has to do.

1. Follow the Upset Formula

Every upset follows a similar formula and it is easier said than done. Every upset has a team who starts to believe they can win by taking advantage of the favorite’s mistakes. The thing is, Michigan does not make many of them. Weather is going to play a factor on Saturday as the forecast calls for wind and rain.

Part two of the formula is out play your opponent on special teams. A touchdown, blocked punt, missed field goal or big kick return can inject life into the underdog. IU has the pieces to win the special teams battle, but have yet to put it all together in 2023.

The final part is the underdog has to get most of the breaks. IU has rarely, if ever, gotten a call while a game is in doubt against Michigan. IU needs loose balls to bounce their way and tipped passees to fall into Hoosier hands.

2. Play Their ‘A+’ Game, while Michigan Plays an ‘F’ Game

The Hoosiers have yet to play their ‘A’ game for four quarters and it remains to be seen that it is even possible. Also, even if IU plays their best game of the season, Michigan can still win. IU will need the Wolverines to play their ‘F’ game to even have a shot at pulling out a win. 

3. Play Loose

There are no expectations or pressure on IU to win on Saturday. Zero. None. So, the Hoosiers can play free and easy. If they lose by 35, it’s what people expected them to do. So why not play loose and play aggressively? The weather may prevent some things, but throw the ball down field a bit, take the chance with an onside kick on the wet turf.