After last week’s bye, the Indiana Hoosiers will be back in action seeking their first Big Ten win of 2023. Meanwhile, the #2 Michigan Wolverines are trying to remain undefeated by picking up a fourth conference win. For the 72nd time, their paths intersect on the gridiron.
These teams meet almost every year, but Indiana hasn’t won in Ann Arbor since 1967. Will this be the year they steal one in Michigan?
Indiana Hoosiers vs. #2 Michigan Wolverines Odds and Match Details
Team | Spread | Total | ML |
Indiana | +33
-110 |
Over 45.5
-110 |
N/A |
Michigan | -33
-110 |
Under 45.5
-110 |
N/A |
*Odds Subject to Change |
Fixture: Indiana Hoosiers @ Michigan Wolverines
Date and Time: October 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST
Location: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Field Surface: FieldTurf Revolution 360
Weather: Windy, Rainy, and 53 Degrees
𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄
Game 6 » Michigan pic.twitter.com/uSLgTv6Jcr
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) October 10, 2023
Key Stats
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana enters this game 0-2 with a -47 point differential in conference play. The Hoosiers only mustered 20 total points in those two losses. For an offense that’s only putting up 20.8 points per game and only crossed the 20-point threshold in regulation once, it’s not surprising that they’re struggling against Big Ten foes.
Their starting quarterback, Tayven Jackson, has three interceptions against two touchdowns through the air. Indiana is averaging 224.0 passing yards per week. Things aren’t much better on the ground, where the Hoosiers gain 3.2 yards per carry. It leads to 110.2 yards per game.
🗣 He makes plays!@Anddre_90 pic.twitter.com/stXDGpcoC5
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) October 12, 2023
On defense, the Hoosiers haven’t been much better. They gave up 44 in their last game against Maryland, and are responsible for 24.4 per game this year. Opponents are gaining 368.2 yards per game when facing Indiana.
Most of that damage comes on the ground. There, Indiana is giving up 4.7 yards per rush (a Big Ten worst), and 156.4 yards per game. Against the back seven, opposing quarterbacks gash the Hoosiers for 7.2 yards per attempt and 211.8 per game.
#2 Michigan Wolverines
Michigan has won each of their games this season by at least 24 points. It begins with a defense that allowed 10 points last week, the most the Wolverines have surrendered in a game this season. Coach Harbaugh’s defense is leading the nation in defensive scoring, only allowing 6.7 points per game.
Only two teams nationally are giving up fewer yards than the 233.3 Michigan is responsible for. Despite frequently holding a lead, the Wolverines are second to only Penn State in passing yards against (142.5 per game). It isn’t any easier in the trenches, where Michigan only gives up 90.8 yards per contest on 3.1 yards per carry.
Led by J.J. McCarthy under center and Blake Corum in the backfield, Michigan’s offense is incredible too. They’re putting up 37.3 points per game, a top-20 mark nationwide. The Wolverines accomplish that through 414.8 yards per game.
Michigan’s rushing attack is averaging 185.2 yards per game this year, and Corum has 10 touchdowns on the ground. When they air it out, the Wolverines gain 9.9 yards per attempt (eighth in the nation) and 229.7 yards per contest. Roman Wilson already has eight receiving scores for the season.
Game Prediction
In every way, Indiana appears to be outmatched in this game. That’s without factoring in the Big House, which gives Michigan another undeniable edge. The Wolverines have put up at least 45 in two straight weeks, both against Big Ten foes, and this Indiana defense should offer less resistance than both of those schools.
Nobody is scoring on the Wolverines, and the Hoosiers offense shouldn’t break that trend. Their best offensive outputs were 41 points against Indiana State and 29 points after four overtimes against Akron. In the other three games, Indiana was held under 20. Michigan’s defense has been much sturdier than those three schools. Expect another dominant win by Michigan.