Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers have not beaten the Michigan Wolverines since 1987. After a 7-3 start, there was a feeling that perhaps this would be the year Indiana could knock off Michigan and IU started the game looking like they could make that a reality. However, offensive injuries, excellent offense from Shea Patterson and the defensive speed of Michigan proved to be too much for Indiana on a wet and dreary evening in Bloomington. The Wolverines pulled away for a convincing 39-14 victory to improve to 9-2 and dropping IU to 7-4 heading into rivalry weekend.

Indiana began the game with the ball and they quickly marched into scoring territory with quick passing from Peyton Ramsey. The Hoosiers got inside the five-yard line and Stevie Scott dove into the end zone for a one-yard score to put Indiana ahead 7-0. Michigan responded with a very nice drive of their own, marching 80 yards and Shea Patterson threw to Ronnie Bell for a short touchdown to tie the game. Peyton Ramsey was hit as he was throwing on the next possession, resulting in a lob that was intercepted by Michigan’s Daxton Hill at the 31-yard line. Indiana’s defense made a stand, forcing Michigan back and making them punt. The Hoosiers took over at the 48-yard line and took advantage of the field position. They marched inside the 25-yard line as the first quarter ended and Peyton Ramsey snuck into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown to put IU ahead again, 14-7. Again, Michigan did not trail for long. They took over at the 38-yard line and Patterson connected with Donovan Peoples-Jones for an 11-yard score to tie the game. Things went downhill from there for Indiana. They entered the game without top wideout Whop Philyor and lost Stevie Scott and Ty Fryfogle for extended periods of time. The teams traded punts and Michigan broke loose for a long score as Nico Collins caught a long pass to get to the 24-yard line and then scored on the next play to give the Wolverines a lead they would never relinquish. IU got into the locker room at halftime down by only seven but it was clear they were teetering.

The second half began with a long drive by Michigan but the Hoosiers defense hung in and held them to a 27-yard field goal by Quinn Nordin that made the score 24-14. Indiana moved the ball but a holding call on a fourth down attempt forced Indiana to punt. Michigan took over on the 20-yard line and Nico Collins caught a slant pass and took it to the house for a 74-yard touchdown. The Wolverines quickly went for two and converted to make it 32-14. The teams traded punts and then Josh Uche stripped Peyton Ramsey and recovered the fumble at the Indiana 29-yard line. Patterson again found Nico Collins and the route was on as Michigan led 39-14. Peyton Ramsey and the Indiana offense never looked the same after the junior quarterback took a hard hit and was laid out on the turf. He winced periodically the rest of the game and the Hoosiers could not get traction or provide protection against Michigan’s pressure. The Wolverines passing game was tremendously effective, shredding IU’s secondary with deep passes. Patterson ended the game with 366 yards and five touchdowns and Nico Collins had a career-high 165 yards and three touchdowns.

The Indiana Hoosiers will look for their eighth win of the season, and the all important Old Oaken Bucket, when they travel to West Lafayette to play the Purdue Boilermakers. Hoosier Huddle will have continuing coverage of this game and the Old Oaken Bucket contest with Purdue.

The Huddle

Wolverines Overwhelm Hoosiers, Win 39-14 in Bloomington

Hoosier Huddle