Indiana Football vs. Michigan: Preview, key storylines, and prediction

Indiana Football: Key Storylines and Predictions vs. Michigan

Key Storylines

Indiana

Can Michael Penix Jr.overcome his efficiency woes?

This storyline isn’t much different than last week’s storyline against Rutgers, but Indiana will only go as far as Penix takes them. He ended up finding a bit of success against the Scarlet Knights but started 3/10 on his passing attempts against a pass defense that isn’t exactly elite.

Michigan has been great at limiting quarterback completion percentage through two games. Passers have only completed 55.6% of their throws against the Wolverines, which unfortunately coincides directly with Penix Jr.’s main weakness thus far.

Penix needs to get in a rhythm with his receivers instead of sputtering through the first part of the game. It took him 55 minutes to find his groove against Penn State, and over a quarter to find it versus Rutgers. Hopefully, it is reduced to zero minutes this week.

Michigan

Can the run game carry their offense?

Michigan has one of the best run offenses in the Big Ten, yet it is going almost entirely unused. A committee of running backs, including Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet, and Blake Corum, has been extremely effective at gaining yards and scoring points. Haskins is averaging 9.9 yards per carry, Charbonnet is averaging 8.1, and the three have combined for six of Michigan’s nine touchdowns on the season.

However, they aren’t getting the ball as much as one would think given that level of production. The trio has only combined for 33 rushing attempts through the first two games. Meanwhile, Joe Milton has thrown for just one touchdown despite his 73 attempts.

Indiana’s pass defense has been better than their run defense thus far, and they’d better hope Michigan doesn’t plan to give their backs more carries. If Haskins, Corum, and Charbonnet begin to see more opportunities, it could be bad for the Hoosiers.

Key Players

Indiana

Michael Penix Jr. QB: 58% completion, 408 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception (season)

Whop Phylor, WR: 5 receptions, 137 yards (vs. Rutgers)

Taiwan Mullen, DB: 2.5 sacks (vs. Rutgers)

Michigan

Joe Milton, QB: 64% completion, 525 yards, 1 touchdown (Season)

Hassan Haskins, RB: 14 attempts, 138 yards, 3 touchdowns (Season)

Zach Charbonnet, RB: 9 attempts, 73 yards, 1 touchdown (Season)

Prediction: Indiana 24, Michigan 31