The fifteenth-ranked Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 4-1 B1G) travel to Bloomington to take on Indiana (4-5, 0-5 B1G) in a contest that takes on a big more meaning given recent events.
Michigan's conference championship aspirations were hanging on by a thread until Michigan State's stunning loss at Nebraska. The Wolverines are right back in the thick of things, with help, of course.
A Spartan loss to Ohio State next Saturday will put destiny in Michigan's hands with the Buckeyes coming to town to end the season.
Regardless, they still must win out and hope scenarios fall their way, but the task at hand on Saturday of defeating the Hoosiers takes on even greater importance.
Indiana boasts and offense that has the ability to be very explosive. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld has put up very solid numbers this season (2229 yards, 15 TD, 5 INT) and has quite a few playmakers on the outside and in the running game. Wide receivers Ricky Jones and Simmie Cobbs, along with running back Jordan Howard are just a few names Michigan will have to account for.
This has the ability to turn into a bit of a shootout if Michigan's defense struggles a bit, but they are still in very good shape. Indiana's defense is as leaky as it gets and it should allow Jake Rudock and the offense to pick up where they left off against Rutgers last week.
The Wolverines have struggled on the road at times this year, which could make this game closer than comfortable for awhile. They should still be able to cover the spread and I have them walking out of Bloomington with a 34-20 victory.
Get your predictions in below using the handy-dandy Crowd's Line widget!
Game Info
Teams: #15 Michigan (7-2) at Indiana (4-5)
Date: November 14th, 2015
Location: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana (52,929)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
Television: ABC or ESPN2 (coverage map)/WatchESPN
Radio: Michigan/IMG Sports Network (for a list of affiliates, click here)
Spread: Michigan -12.5
Fun Facts
- Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard and Shannon Spake are on the television call
- Michigan is 54-9 all-time against the Hoosiers and have not lost in this series since 1987.
- The Wolverines are 37-2 against Indiana while ranked (#15 in the AP, Coaches currently)
- Jake Butt needs 132 yards receiving for 1,000 in his career.
Hitting the Links: MnB's Michigan vs. Indiana Coverage
11-13 - Matchups to Watch: Michigan vs. Indiana
11-13 - Staff Roundtable: Michigan vs. Indiana
11-13 - ABC/ESPN Coverage Map: Michigan vs. Indiana
11-12 - The Michigan Man Podcast Episode 279 w/ IU radio voice Don Fischer
11-12 - Behind Enemy Lines Q&A w/ The Crimson Quarry
11-12 - Lock of the Week: Orange Crush Clash
11-12 - S&P+ Predicts the Score of Michigan vs. Indiana
11-11 - Getting to Know the Indiana Hoosiers
11-10 - Michigan Jumps Three Spots in CFP Poll
11-10 - The Michigan Man Podcast Episode 278 w/ TheWolverine.com's Chris Balas
11-10 - Big Ten Week 11 Odds: Asking Too Much from IU
11-9 - Harbaugh Talks Officiating, Jake Rudock's NFL Potential
11-9 - Freep Column: Jabrill Peppers Becoming U-M's Not-So-Secret Weapon
11-8 - Michigan Opens as 11-point Favorite vs. Indiana
11-8 - Michigan's Path to a Big Ten East Title
Week 11 College Football TV Schedule