The Indiana Hoosiers are looking to get back into the win column in Week 8. Indiana lost 19-15 to Ohio State in Week 7, and are now set for a road tilt against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon.
Despite suffering a tough loss to the Buckeyes, the Hoosiers are still a team capable of winning the National Championship. But now that their margin for error is smaller, the Cream and Crimson need to put forth a strong bounce-back performance on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
Here are four bold Indiana predictions for Saturday's matchup that would significantly boost Indiana's chances to find the win column.
Indiana sacks Tommy Carr 4+ times
The Wolverines love to rely on the running game, as their 135 passing attempts as a team are the fewest in the Big Ten. But when they do decide to throw, it's imperative that the Hoosiers generate pressure on Michigan freshman QB Tommy Carr. Carr is making his first collegiate start after taking over for Bryce Underwood at halftime last week. His inexperience could show itself if Indiana gets into the backfield and make him uncomfortable. Indiana's defensive front is chalk full of talent and experience, and Michigan's offensive line is banged up. That could open the door for the Hoosiers to rack up some sacks in this matchup.
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Indiana wins the turnover battle by 2+
Indiana enters this contest with a turnover margin of +3 on the season. On the other side, Michigan is -3. The Hoosier defense hasn't been nearly as effective at creating turnovers as last year's team, but they have still been opportunistic. Carr has just one half of college football experience under his belt, and IU defensive coordinator Bryant Haines should have a solid game plan in place to confuse the young gunslinger. The Wolverines have also fumbled seven times this season, losing five of them. Winning the turnover battle will be a big point of emphasis in this one.
Indiana holds Michigan without an offensive touchdown
It's no secret that the Michigan offense has struggled mightily this season. It hasn't mattered who the Wolverines have been playing, they just haven't been able to string together runs of offensive success. On the season, Michigan is averaging a measly 22.7 points per game, which ranks 17th in the Big Ten. Indiana's defense is allowing just 12.9 points per game, which is the best mark in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers have already posted two shutouts, and have what it takes to dominate from start to finish.
Indiana runs for 200+ yards
Despite seeing the running game struggle over the last two weeks, Indiana won't abandon the run game in this one. The Hoosiers are at their best when the running game is firing on all cylinders, and establishing the run will be key in this matchup. Michigan has a strong run defense, but Indiana now has a three-headed monster in the backfield with Khobie Martin slated to return and join Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. in Indiana's RB rotation. If Indiana runs for 200 yards on a Michigan defense allowing just 89.7 rushing yards per game, the Hoosiers could be well on their way to a decisive victory.
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