The Indiana Hoosiers won't have much time to catch their breath after hosting Ohio State on October 17. Just one week later, the Hoosiers will head up to Ann Arbor for another massive Big Ten showdown against the Michigan Wolverines. No matter what happens against the Buckeyes, Curt Cignetti and company will have to regroup quickly before heading into a hostile road environment at The Big House.
Michigan is entering a new era under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. He figures to provide more stability to the Michigan program, but can he take the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff?
The Kyle Whittingham era begins in Ann Arbor
After a tumultuous offseason, Whittingham takes over a Michigan problem looking to get back to thriving on the national stage. Whittingham is well-equipped for the job, as he built up quite the resume over 2+ decades at Utah.
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Over the course of his 21 seasons in Salt Lake City, Whittingham turned Utah into one of the most consistent winners in all of college football. With the Utes, Whittingham posted an overall record of 177-88 (.668) and went 109-70 (.601) in conference play.
Bryce Underwood eyes massive improvements in Year 2
Much of Michigan's success this season will depend on the performance of former 5-star QB Bryce Underwood. Underwood earned the starting job last season a freshman, but the results were underwhelming. He threw for 2,428 yards and tossed just 11 touchdowns to go along with 9 interceptions. The flashes were there, but the consistency wasn't. He will need to take a big step forward if the Wolverines want to make a CFP push.
New offensive coordinator Jason Beck has been a quarterback guru throughout his career, so Michigan fans are hoping he can work his magic and help Underwood thrive. The hype is real, as Beck was ranked as the top defensive or offensive coordinator hire of 2026 by CBS Sports.
It's Michigan, the running game is going to be good
Michigan tends to have a solid rushing attack, and that should still ring true this season. Last year, the Wolverines finished 14th in the country by averaging 210 rushing yards per game. Whittingham's Utes ranked 2nd in the country with an average of 266.3 yards per game on the ground.
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Leading rusher Jordan Marshall returns after racking up 932 yards and 10 touchdowns, although Justice Haynes is off to Georgia Tech. However, incoming 5-star RB Savion Hiter figures to make an immediate impact, and Underwood is dangerous with his legs. All in all, the Hoosiers have to be well-prepared for a strong Michigan rushing attack.
The strength of Michigan's defense is the secondary
The Wolverines have some question marks up front, but their defensive backfield has the potential to be elite. Zeke Berry is back after leading the team with 10 pass break-ups, and Jyaire Hill is poised for a breakout season. Utah transfer Smith Snowden is also a name to watch after following Whittingham from Utah to Michigan. Cornerback Rod Moore is also back after a pair of injury-riddled seasons over the last two years. Having him back in the mix is a major boost for the Wolverines.
Indiana vs Michigan score prediction
Indiana: 24
Michigan: 20
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