Michigan-Indiana recent history: Just something about it

The Big Ten is a conference full of tradition, history, and rivalries. While Michigan has stronger feelings about a lot of foes, Indiana has always been an interesting matchup. The Wolverines are currently riding a 22-game win streak against the Hoosiers and have won 37 of the last 38, but the wins have not always been easy to come by.

Obviously head coach Jim Harbaugh is undefeated against Indiana since taking over as head coach, but his three victories have never come by more than 10 points, with both road contests ending in overtime. There is a clear favorite heading into Saturday’s matchup, but recently that has not made a difference.

2015: Michigan 48, Indiana 41 (Bloomington)

The No. 12 Wolverines got all they could handle against the Hoosiers in a double-overtime shootout. The teams combined for over 1,000 yards of total offense and Michigan needed a last-second touchdown to send the game into overtime. Jehu Chesson caught his fourth touchdown of the day to tie it up, helping him notch 207 receiving yards.

Jake Rudock was on fire, locking in six scores and 440 yards through the air. Amara Darboh was not too shabby, hauling in over 100 yards and a touchdown, and Jake Butt found the end zone, as well. For a game defined by offense, it was actually the Michigan defense that made the difference, forcing a fourth down stop to win the game.

2016: Michigan 20, Indiana 10 (Ann Arbor)

The defense decided to show up for next season’s edition, as No. 3 Michigan held onto a late third quarter lead. Neither team was overly convincing, but the Wolverines did just enough to earn the victory, giving up just one touchdown while hammering the ball on the ground.

John O’Korn had an unremarkable outing, totaling just 59 passing yards. Instead, it was De’Veon Smith who carried the offense, racking up 158 yards and two touchdowns. His two scores near the end of the third quarter sealed the game, with the Michigan running game eventually taking over as the snow began to fall.

2017: Michigan 27, Indiana 20 (Bloomington)

Last season’s matchup looked like another Michigan win, with the No. 17 Wolverines up by 10 late in the third quarter. The defense then decided to take a break, giving up the lead as time expired to send it into overtime. Karan Higdon scored on the first play of the extra frame to regain the advantage, and the defense held on for another narrow victory in Indiana.

O’Korn was somehow less productive than the year prior, recording just 58 yards this time. Higdon found the end zone three times, however, on his way to 200 yards on the ground. No other Wolverine did too much on offense, but Tyree Kinnel’s overtime interception ensured the Maize and Blue escaped with the win.