Indiana Preview

Time: 3:30
Location: Memorial Stadium
Weather:  40 - Heavy Thunderstorms
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN+
Line: Michigan -9.5

If you were going to try to define a trap game, this would be the example.  A team that Michigan has struggled against but hasn't lost to in over 30 years in between two rival games.   I had no idea that weather could be an issue as there is between 80%-90% rain between 1:00 - 4:00 with heavy thunderstorms at 4:00.   This sounds like there could be a long delay in this one or they even might push the start of the game if that forecasts is accurate.

Tale of the Tape
Passing Game = Indiana
Passing Defense = Michigan
Running Game = Michigan
Kickers = Indiana
Intangibles = Indiana
Talent = Michigan
Coaching = Michigan

This game is really Don Brown vs. Kalen DeBoer the new OC for Indiana.  Can Don's new zone defense stop IU's passing game?   The Hoosiers really don't run the ball, so Michigan needs to key off the pass but worry about surprise runs.   The Michigan defensive line will need to dominate a less than average offensive line.

Say this doesn't feel like a trap, more like an O Snap! if...…………………...

• Michigan's defense dominates and keeps IU under 14 points 
• Shea is picking apart the IU defense 
• Michigan RB's have over 200 yards on the ground 
• No turnovers 
• The weather ends up as a positive for Michigan 
• Michigan doesn't have the road sleepy's

Damn these trap games if...………...

• If IU gives OSU another game plan to beat the Michigan defense 
• If this game becomes a shoot out 
• It's clear Michigan is looking forward to a week from Saturday 
• Michigan's defense is giving up slants and long runs 
• Michigan is turning over the ball and trying to kick field goals 

I like Michigan's power run game if this becomes a ND rain game.  IU is going to try to dink and dunk the Michigan defense to move the ball down field.  They will not let their offensive line get beat with long WR routes that take a few seconds to get down field.   It's exactly how MSU tried to play the Wolverines last Saturday.   Michigan's defense will have to play that trap zone a ton.  

IU wants a shoot out so expect them to throw the kitchen sink at the Wolverines.   Michigan will have to put some points up to win and lets hope they can execute in the red zone to get TD's.  The weather could be a huge factor in this game.   Hanging on to the ball on both sides could be the difference as IU's defense is much better then it has been in the past.   The seniors will need to shine in this game as they are starting to realize their games at Michigan are running out.   Hudson on defense has a huge game and Shea makes plays on offense.  

Michigan 31 IU 20

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/11/indiana-preview.html