The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Can Hoosiers finally top Michigan?
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind.
Find a rhythm: Under firsttime starting quarterback Joe Milton, Michigan was coldly efficient on offense in its season- opening win at Minnesota, averaging more than 8.5 yards per play. Milton attempted 22 passes, completing 15, for 225 yards. The Wolverines ran far more plays — 86 — in its game against Michigan State last week but were far less effective, averaging only 5.2 yards per play.
Milton was asked to throw 51 times against the Spartans, and his 300- yard day notwithstanding, his inefficiency went a long way in explaining how Michigan lost 2724.
Help the corners: Michigan State found a winning strategy when quarterback Rocky Lombardi discovered he could consistently burn Michigan cornerbacks Vincent Gray and Gemon Green on deep passes.
Michigan entered the season knowing it had experience issues in the secondary but could not have expected to be exposed so thoroughly by a passinggamesuch as Michigan State’s, whose receivers outworkedWolverines corners. Michigan must provide safety help to prevent a repeat.
Keys for Indiana
Ride the momentum. Indiana is enjoying its highest ranking in the polls since1987, it has talented athletes at key positions – notably quarterback Michael Penix Jr., running back Stevie Scott and receivers Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle – and has greatly improved on defense in recent years. Plus, the last time the Hoosiers played at home they beat a team that was 22- 1 all- time against them. Play loose again, and see what happens.
Keep locking down: The Hoosiers are allowing an average 182 passing yards per game, second
TV: Fox Sports 1 among Big Ten teams that have played twice, and have recorded five interceptions.
Penn State and Rutgers have combined to complete 65.7% of passes against the IU defense but the teams totaled only 364 yards, a paltry 5.2 yards per attempt. Against Rutgers in a 37- 21Hoosiers win last week, IU defensive backs had only one of the team’s three interceptions but had six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Prediction
Indiana 35, Michigan 34: The Hoosiers are 9- 59 all- time against Michigan and have lost 24 straight games in the series, dating to 1987. But the Wolverines are doubtless questioning themselves after last week’s meltdown against Michigan State. The Hoosiers may be even be the more complete team at the moment. If they can maintain their poise, they could claim another signature win.