Keys to a Hoosier Win Over No. 7 Michigan
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Written by: @zachegreene
Indiana is coming off their sixth loss of the season as they fell to Maryland 35-38. Michigan is coming off their first season loss as they fell to Michigan State on the road 33-37. Michigan comes into this game as the ninth-best team in the country, according to the Associated Press. The Wolverines will be playing with many emotions after playing with the lead to the Spartans this past Saturday and blowing the game. On the other hand, the Hoosiers won’t be playing for much as they saw their bowl hopes slip this past Saturday, but they will be playing for future years as many newcomers will be inserted into the game. With that said, let’s dive into some keys for the Hoosiers to pull off an upset Victory against the Wolverines.
1. Feed TE Peyton Hendershot
Indiana Tight End Peyton Hendershot has been one of the best Tight Ends in the country. Last week he racked up six catches for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. He has shown that he can play at the next level. On the season, he is averaging over 12 yards per catch and four touchdowns. Of the very few scoring drives that the Hoosiers have had in B1G play, Hendershot has been the one to start up drives and take the offense down the field. With Freshman QB McCulley looking like he will get the start again on Saturday, expect to see screens and short passes to go Hendershot’s way to get the offense going.
2. Focus on Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson has been one of the best players in college football and maybe the best exterior defensive lineman. On the season, Hutchinson has 30 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles. Hutchinson is a projected first-round pick who will make an immediate impact at the next level. If the Hoosiers want to pull off an upset victory on Saturday, they will need to design a game plan to defend Hutchinson, and they will need to make sure he is not freed up and checked at the line of scrimmage.
3. Design Blitzes
Indiana has been beaten down with injuries on their defense all season. Last week the defense almost gave up 500 yards in the air, and we have not seen that all season. There weren’t any designed blitzes or anything like we saw last year. Defensive Coordinator Charlton Warren said that it has to do with the fact that many newcomers are playing. Hopefully, this week he will teach his unit a couple of design blitzes to speed up the progressions of Michigan QB Cade McNamara.
4. Start Strong on Offense
This was a key last week, but unfortunately, the Hoosiers did not start strong getting down 14-0 to the Terps. It will be even more critical for the Hoosiers to start strong in a rougher environment on Saturday. Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan will be communicating with his freshman 18-year-old Donaven McCulley to see what they can come up with to help and get the young man some rhythm on Offense. That said, if the Hoosiers star strong on Offense, it will give their defense some more motivation.
5. 4+ yards per Carry.
Indiana had one of their best games on the ground this past Saturday. RB Steven Carr has over 130 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. There were also some designed run plays with McCulley. Overall, they averaged 4.9 yards per carry and were able to get in some reasonable third down spots. The Hoosiers will need to do the same this Saturday. They cannot afford to be in third in longs and make McCulley sling the ball down the field and make something happen. While he is a dual-threat QB, he is not that guy yet, and the Hoosiers cannot afford for him to get hurt. Overall, if the Hoosiers can average 4+ per carry, it should open the offense, get the Hoosiers in some third/shorts, and make McCulley feel comfortable leading this offense.