Takeaways from Michigan’s convincing victory vs. Indiana

No. 7 Michigan improved to 8-1 on the season after beating the Indiana Hoosiers 29-7 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday night. Here are takeaways from the game.

Michigan’s defense was lights out

MIchigan’s defense really stepped up, and their only blemish was a touchdown in the first half. The defense got pressure on IU QB Donaven McCulley throughout the game to the tune of 2 sacks and 9 QB hits, and a forced fumble. Michigan only allowed 53 total yards in the second half, and went 1-of-7 on 3rd downs the final two quarters. This was a nice bounce back game from the D after a day in East Lansing where they gave up 5 TDs to running back Kenneth Walker.

Communication wasn’t an issue for the defense, substitutions getting on the field in ample time wasn’t an issue, play-calling wasn’t an issue — the defense played well across the board. Credit to the players, and credit to defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for getting the unit back on the right track.

Corum’s injury looms large

Blake Corum left the game early on with a lower leg injury, and never returned. Corum would eventually be spotted on the sideline in a boot of some sort and street clothes. Corum has been a major reason why Michigan has the No. 7 rushing offense and if he’s out for an extended period of time it would be bad news for the UM offense. Here’s to hoping Corum has a speedy recovery.

Haskins goes into Beast Mode

With Corum on the shelf, Haskins went off against the Hoosiers, to the tune of 168 yards, 1 TD, on 27 carries. Haskins showed his usual physicality, effort, and hurdling abilities in a game where they really needed him to do some dirty work. Just another day in the life for Hassan, another solid performance.

Pass protection could have been better

Both Michigan quarterbacks were dealt a bad hand at times against Indiana. Michigan’s offensive line didn’t protect either quarterback up to the standard that’s been there for much of the season. Indiana had 3 sacks and 7 quarterback hits. McNamara took a hard hit in this one, and at one point was in the medical tent before getting back on the field after J.J. McCarthy led the offense for an entire drive in the 3rd Quarter. It’s important for McNamara to stay healthy, and McCarthy as well, and Michigan will have a few things to clean up in pass-pro.

McNamara returns from injury admirably, delivers a bomb

As mentioned above, the pass-protection could have been cleaner, and McNamara has been popped hard enough in consecutive weeks to require a trip to the medical tent. McNamara went to the tent in the 3rd Quarter, and J.J. McCarthy led an entire drive for the UM offense — one that ended in a field goal. This was a long drive, one with injuries and media timeouts — McNamara was throwing the ball on the sideline throughout the drive, clearly itching to get back in.

After McNamara returned, he threw his best pass of the day, a great 50-yard throw to Cornelius Johnson. McNamara would ultimately cap off the drive with a touchdown throw to Luke Schoonmaker. On the day, McNamara was 10-of-18 for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns, not flashy numbers, and Cade did dodge a couple bullets on passes that were nearly picked, but he did his job during a day that the game was always in hand and the rushing attack was churning.

Outlook moving forward

Michigan did what they needed to against an Indiana team that is now 2-7 on the season. Winning was expected, a cohesive effort was expected, a blowout was expected — Michigan answered the call here and they’re now 8-1. Michigan State lost to Purdue on Saturday, and Michigan’s Big Ten East fate is in their hands more than it is not. Of course, it isn’t an easy road the rest of the way for the Wolverines — going on the road against Penn State next week will be a tall task, then they have a road game against Maryland they can’t let be a trap game before a date at The Big House against Ohio State to close out the season. All in all, Michigan is in a good place, especially factoring in how bad things felt following their loss to the Spartans. Survive and advance — this is where Michigan’s at from here on out.