Oct 13, 20233 min read

Dawg Preview: Indiana at #1 Michigan

Indiana (2-3) off a bye week goes on the road for a matchup with one of the top-ranked teams in the country, the Michigan Wolverines (6-0). Michigan is 35-7 at the Big House against the Hoosiers, the last time Indiana walked into Ann Arbor and left with a win was 1967. The Wolverines come in as a 33.5 favorite over their division rival.

Broadcast information - Indiana at #1 Michigan

Indiana at Michigan will Kick off Saturday, October 14 at 12:00 pm Eastern time on Fox. The television broadcast team calling the game is Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (Color), and Jenny Taft (sideline).

Michigan fans can listen to the game on WWJ-AM 950, and 97.1 The Ticket. Indiana fans can listen to WGCL AM1370/98.7FM Bloomington Sports Talk.

Weather Forecast

The forecast is calling for rain with temperatures around 52 but feels more like 46, the winds will be blowing east at 22 mph with wind gusts of 34mph.

What's at stake?

Michigan comes home after two dominating wins on the road to remain a perfect 6-0. They need to win here if they want to continue their journey for a national title. Anything but a win here would be a disaster and would end any hopes of a national championship for the Wolverines.

A win here for the Hoosiers could help quiet the voices of fans calling for head coach Tom Allen's job. Allen went 4-8 in 2022, and 2-10 in 2021 if he hopes to make a bowl game in 23 Indiana will need to start stacking wins, considering their 2-3 so far this year. A win here could help build momentum for the 2nd half of the season and a run to make a bowl game.

Key players - Michigan

RB B.Corum, RB K.Mullings, RB. D.Edwards, Offensive line

Key players - Indiana

The Defensive line: M.Burris, P.Lucas Jr, A.Carter

Key matchups:

Michigan Running Game vs Indiana Run Defense

Michigan comes in ranked 4th in the Big 10 in rushing offense. In 6 games so far this year they have 1111 yards,15 touchdowns, an average of 5.1 yards a carry, and 185.2 yards a game. Michigan's Identity on offense is to run the ball, win the battles at the line of scrimmage, and wear out the opposing defense. With the weather conditions being unfavorable to put the ball in the air, Michigan will look to line up and pound the rock challenging the Hoosiers to stop them.

The question is, will Indiana be able to stop it? Looking at their first 5 games of the year the answer is resounding 'no'. Ranked 12 in the Big 10 in rushing defense Indiana will have to find a way to stop Michigan’s backs or it’s going to be a very long and wet day. Indiana in 5 games has given up 782 yards, teams are averaging 4.7 yards a carry, have 8 touchdowns, and put up 156.4 yards a game.

Michigan vs Michigan

There is only one way Michigan doesn’t leave this game without a win and that’s if they beat themselves on the Field. If Michigan comes out and takes penalties, the offense puts the ball on the ground and JJ throws interceptions then it’s possible that the Hoosiers could get their 1st win in 56 years. If the Wolverines come out focused and play the way fans have become accustomed to, then like the previous 6 games the starts should be out by the start of the 4th quarter.

Prediction

Indiana can’t match up to the amount of talent Michigan has on both sides of the ball. Michigan, like in the first 6 games should win big, but because of the weather, I don’t believe they cover.