Matchup To Watch: Indiana's Passing Game vs. Michigan's Secondary

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Matchup to Watch: Indiana at Michigan 

Last week’s loss was disappointing for the Hoosiers who now have to travel Ann Arbor to play the third-ranked Wolverines in a stadium that IU has not won in since 1967. Our key matchup in this week’s game is the passing game of Indiana against an excellent secondary from Michigan. 

Indiana’s Passing Game vs. Michigan’s Secondary

There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that the veteran defense of Michigan is their strength. They are first nationally in scoring defense and pass defense, giving up just 11 points and 131.6 yards through the air per game. The Hoosier passing game, which comes in ranked second in the Big Ten at 302.7 yards per game, will have their work cut out for them.

Outside of a couple of game the Hoosier run game cannot be counted on to have great days against defenses like Michigan so it’ll have to be up to Richard Lagow and the Hoosier receivers to have a big day if the Hoosiers offense has any chance to move the ball against the Wolverines.

There are several keys that need to be covered if the Hoosier offense wants to get the aerial attack going. First, the offensive line will have to keep Richard Lagow upright and give him enough time to look down field. Michigan loves to bring pressure, especially with Peppers, and will make it uncomfortable for the quarterback. If Lagow does not have time in the pocket, the deep passing game will fizzle and Michigan can start teeing off on the run and screen game. 

Second, Lagow has to hit open receivers. In almost every game this season we have seen Lagow over or under throw an open receiver or two that has resulted in a stalled drive or a missed scoring opportunity. There probably will not be a ton of open receivers for the Hoosiers, but when it happens Lagow has to put the ball on the money.
    
Next, Lagow and the receivers must protect the ball. Last week it was fumbles by Mitchell Paige that killed the offensive momentum, but more often than not the offense has shot itself in the foot because Lagow has gotten greedy with some throws that have turned into interceptions. He needs to take what the defense gives him and live to play another down. 

Finally, the Hoosier receivers need to make the 50-50 plays more often than not. Last week, we saw Nick Westbrook mistime a jump and miss out on a touchdown, however more often than not this season the Hoosier receivers have made those types of plays. Seniors Mitchell Paige and Ricky Jones must set the tone early by making a couple tough grabs and show that this offense is not just going to bow out. 

Other Notes On This Matchup:

Donavan Hale and Camion Patrick have become deep threats for the Hoosiers over the last couple of games as they have combined for nine receptions for 224 yards and a score. Look for the Hoosiers to test the Wolverines over the top on Saturday. 

The starting secondary of Michigan, Delano Hill, Jourdan Lewis, Channing Stribbling, and Dymonte Thomas have a combined 83 career starts, so they are a veteran group who has played a ton of football together.

Michigan Secondary Stats 2016:

10 Interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 183 tackles, and 8.5 tackles for loss

Indiana Receiving Stats 2016:

176 receptions, 2,661 yards, and 13 touchdowns