Despite losing to Ohio State in Week 7, all of Indiana's goals from the start of the season are still attainable. The Hoosiers are still a National Championship caliber team, but have far less margin for error now. The path to getting back on track starts this Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor against the Michigan Wolverines.
Michigan has had its fair share of struggles in the first season of the Kyle Whittingham era, but that doesn't mean the Wolverines will provide Indiana with an easy win. The Wolverines will bring their best. If the Hoosiers are going to leave Ann Arbor with a win, here are three key areas they need to dominate.
1. The running game has to get going
After the Hoosiers ran wild over the course of their first four games of the season, the running game has been almost non-existent over the past two weeks. Indiana managed just 65 rushing yards and 3.0 yards per carry against Nebraska, and totaled 73 rushing yards and a season-low 2.5 yards per carry last week against Ohio State. Josh Hoover was able to make some big plays in the passing game, but it's clear that the IU offense is at its best when the running game is clicking.
Playing complimentary football is a big point of emphasis for Curt Cignetti, and getting the running going is essential to Saturday's matchup against the Wolverines. It won't be easy, as Michigan ranks 13th in the country in total run defense. With Khobie Martin tentatively expected to return, his presence could provide a significant boost to Indiana’s rushing attack. Alongside Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr., Martin would give the Hoosiers a formidable three-headed monster in the backfield.
2. Keep Josh Hoover upright
Along with an elite run defense, Michigan also possesses a strong pass rush. John Henry Daley followed Whittingham from Utah to Michigan, and he currently leads the Wolverines with 4.0 sacks this season. As a team, Michigan has 15 sacks through six games.
Josh Hoover has been sacked 10 times through seven games. The offensive line has done a good job of keeping him upright, and Hoover was able to make several big plays through the air against both Nebraska and Ohio State. Allowing sacks and giving the Michigan home crowd momentum is not what the Hoosiers want to see in this one. Keeping Hoover upright so he has time to go through his progressions will be key.
3. Limit Tommy Carr's elusiveness
Whittingham has officially made a QB change. Bryce Underwood is out, Tommy Carr is in. Carr took the reins of the Wolverine offense in the 2nd half against Penn State in Week 7, and he instantly provided a boost. Michigan trailed 3-0 at the half, but Carr led the Maize and Blue to a 21-18 victory. He completed 7 of his 9 pass attempts for 70 yards, and looked poised while leading the Wolverines down the field.
Carr is elusive, and keeping him contained will be a key to victory for Indiana in this one. Carr scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 12-yard run late in the 4th quarter to put the game out of reach. He also reeled off a 22-yard run earlier in the contest. In total, he ran 4 times for 36 yards and a score. Michigan's offensive line is banged up, so Indiana could have an edge up front. Getting to Carr and making him uncomfortable while limiting his mobility will help IU's chances of finding the win column.
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