The Indiana Hoosiers are in bounce-back mode as they head to Ann Arbor for a Week 8 clash against the Michigan Wolverines. The Hoosiers are coming off a 19-15 loss to Ohio State in Week 7, which snapped their historic 22-game winning streak.
Despite falling short in a tough battle, there were some solid takeaways from Indiana's performance against the Buckeyes. At the same time, there are still some areas of concern. As we head into Saturday's tilt against the Wolverines, here's a look at which Hoosiers are trending in the right direction and who needs to step up.
Stock up
Amare Ferrell
Indiana safety Amare Ferrell picked off Julian Sayin twice in Week 7. It was Ferrell's second-career multi-interception game, with the first coming on November 2, 2024 against Michigan State. He also had some key pass break-ups against Jeremiah Smith. Ferrell's strong performance helped keep the Hoosiers in the game when the offense was struggling to put points on the board.
Michigan's passing offense has been among the worst in the country this season, but Tommy Carr presents a new challenge that could give the Wolverine passing attack some life. Ferrell and the IU secondary have to be ready for anything.
Charlie Becker
Charlie Becker has been great all season, but he took his game to a new level against the Buckeyes. Becker hauled in a season-high 9 catches to go along with a season-high 165 yards. On the season, he is up to 39 catches for 694 yards, which both exceed his numbers from all of last season. He's also brought in 8 touchdown catches, which doubles his total from last year.
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Becker and Nick Marsh have become one of the best WR duos in all of college football. If the Hoosiers are going to compete for another national title, Becker figures to play a leading role once again.
Stock down
The running game
Indiana's rushing attack is in a major rut. The Hoosiers were almost unstoppable on the ground through the first four games of the season, but that has seriously changed over the last two weeks. Indiana managed just 65 rushing yards against Nebraska, and then 70 yards and a season-low 2.5 yards per carry against Ohio State in Week 7.
The offensive line has not been able to set-up strong running lanes, and neither Turbo Richard or Lee Beebe Jr. have been able to find chunks of yards over the last two weeks. Khobie Martin is slated to return on Saturday against Michigan, which could help. But IU still has a lot to figure out, and things won't get any easier going up against a stout Michigan rushing defense.
Nico Radicic
Indiana placekicker Nico Radicic missed two field goals against the Buckeyes. His miss from 32 yards in the 2nd quarter hit the left upright, and his miss from 55 yards in the 3rd quarter fell short. Both kicks loomed large in the outcome of this game, as Indiana lost 19-15. Radicic has now missed four kicks this season, which includes three field goals and an extra point.
Radicic was one of the top kickers in the country last season, but he just hasn't looked right so far this season. He dealt with a back injury earlier this season, and had to miss two games. Perhaps the injury is still looming, but regardless, hopefully Radicic is able to get back on track in a hurry.
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