Michigan vs. Indiana Prediction, Game Preview


Michigan vs. Indiana prediction and game preview. The Wolverines look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host the Hoosiers.


Michigan vs. Indiana Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.
TV Broadcast: ESPN

Michigan’s College Football Playoff chances took a hit with last week’s stunning 14-13 loss at Iowa on a field goal as time expired. Now it appears the recovery process will go on without Wilton Speight. The Wolverines’ starting quarterback suffered a broken collarbone on their final offensive play of the game, leaving him out until at least the end of the regular season. There’s a chance he could return for the team’s bowl game.

Speight beat out John O’Korn for the starting job in camp, and now Michigan’s Playoff hopes will be decided with O’Korn under center. The Houston transfer will try to guide the Wolverines past upset-minded Indiana before the rivalry matchup with Ohio State.

What To Know About Michigan

O’Korn shouldn’t have a tough time bettering Speight’s performance against Iowa. Speight finished 11-of-26 for 103 yards and an interception in his worst effort of the season. O’Korn, who threw 28 touchdown passes for Houston in 2013, has gone 13-of-18 for 114 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in seven games this season.

Despite the loss, Michigan allowed only 230 total yards in another solid effort from the top-ranked defense in the nation. Only one opponent has hit the 400-yard mark this season, and the Wolverines have enough talent on that side of the ball with Jabrill Peppers, Jourdan Lewis, etc., who can keep the game close if O’Korn struggles.

What To Know About Indiana

The Hoosiers are trying to become bowl-eligible for the second straight season and can do so by beating either Michigan on Saturday or Purdue in the regular-season finale. They had Penn State on the ropes last week with a fourth-quarter lead, but that fizzled while allowing 24 points in that final quarter in a 45-31 loss.

Richard Lagow didn’t throw an interception, but he fumbled with Indiana still having a chance to tie and it was returned for a touchdown to account for the final margin. Devine Redding had a solid game with two touchdown runs, and he has four over his last three games.

Advantages

Offense: Michigan – O’Korn still has plenty of weapons to throw to, such as Jake Butt and Amara Darboh.

Defense: Michigan – It leads the nation in fewest yards allowed per game.

Special Teams: Michigan – Peppers is a threat every time he touches the ball.

Coaching: Michigan – Jim Harbaugh will need to get his players ready to bounce back from a tough loss.

Intangibles: Michigan – The Wolverines have won 20 consecutive meetings.

Matchup To Watch

O’Korn vs. Indiana’s defense

O’Korn likely will have to shake off some nerves, but that might be difficult. The Hoosiers rank 13th in the conference in pass defense allowing an average of 235.8 yards per game through the air. Their 15 passing touchdowns allowed are tied for third-most in the Big Ten.

Betting Odds

Spread: Michigan -23
Over/Under: 53

Michigan vs. Indiana Prediction

The Wolverines will give the Hoosiers a heavy dose of De’Veon Smith, who runs for 125 yards and two touchdowns to complement O’Korn’s two scoring passes.

Michigan vs. Indiana final score prediction: Michigan 48, Indiana 14

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 12