ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The result looked highly familiar, but No. 2 Michigan’s 52-7 victory against Indiana included a few twists and turns. Here are four quick thoughts from a rain-soaked game that pushed Michigan’s record to 7-0 and 4-0 in the Big Ten.
You wanted something different, right?
The first quarter should have been the cure for any fans complaining about the monotony of Michigan’s recent blowouts.
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The Wolverines went three-and-out on their first two possessions and were outgained 141 yards to 17 in the first quarter. The Hoosiers grabbed a 7-0 lead on a wide receiver pass from Donaven McCulley to a wide-open Jaylin Lucas, and the lead could have been bigger if not for Rod Moore’s red zone interception on a tipped pass.
Michigan outgained Indiana 306-40 in the second and third quarters, and the final score made this look like just another effortless win in a season full of blowouts. But at least initially, it wasn’t that easy.
“There was a real calm, a real understanding that if we get punched in the mouth, we’re going to respond,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Everybody has that kind of faith in the leadership of our team and the character of our team.”
GO DEEPER
Michigan dominates Indiana after slow start: First thoughts on another blowout win
Edwards finds the end zone
Scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown with a 31-point lead isn’t usually a huge cause for celebration, but these were special circumstances. Donovan Edwards’ season-long standoff with the end zone came to an end as he plunged across the goal line from 2 yards out, ending one of the season’s bizarre subplots.
Edwards’ first touchdown came after an unusual sequence at the end of the first half, when Edwards was stopped at the goal line and waved Blake Corum back to the sideline as time ran down. Michigan called a timeout and inserted Corum, who scored on the next play.
Edwards’ touchdown drought was a bit of a fluke, and his frustration was starting to show. The reaction from Edwards and his teammates after the touchdown was a testament to their relief.
“It was only time for that man to get in the end zone,” quarterback J.J. McCarthy said. “That’s my brother for life. It was great to see the joy on his face.”
Donovan Edwards really wanted that first TD of the season.
Late in the 2Q, he tried to wave Blake Corum back to the sideline when @UMichFootball was deep in the red zone.
Corum came in, and punched it in.
Then, early in the 4Q, Edwards got his chance. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Q1G5MsFFEz
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 14, 2023
Defense feasts on turnovers
Losing the turnover battle 4-0 is a guaranteed way to lose against an opponent of Michigan’s caliber. On a rainy, blustery day, Indiana’s inability to take care of the ball was the Hoosiers’ undoing.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson was responsible for three of those turnovers: the tipped-ball interception in the first quarter, a sack and fumble forced by Michael Barrett and an interception by Keon Sabb in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Harrell also forced a fumble on a sack of Brendan Sorsby that was recovered by Mason Graham.
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Once again, Michigan’s emphasis on ball disruption paid off. Indiana quarterbacks fumbled three times (losing two) and were sacked four times.
“Last year, we felt like we didn’t do as good as we wanted in the ball disruption,” Sabb said. “It was a big emphasis in the spring and also during camp. We preach that every day. Every meeting starts with ball disruption.”
More magic from McCarthy
McCarthy started slow and spent another fourth quarter on the bench, but in between he made a few more throws that will go in his highlight reel.
McCarthy’s 54-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland was one of those plays. Scrambling to his right, McCarthy motioned for Loveland to go deep and unleashed the throw as soon as Loveland’s defender came up to stop the scramble. Loveland motored all the way to the end zone, aided by blocks from Roman Wilson and Tyler Morris.
J.J. McCarthy ↗️ Colston Loveland
No. 2 @UMichFootball is rolling now. 🔥
📺: FOX/@CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/neAXiFAJ6I
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 14, 2023
Wilson also hauled in his ninth touchdown of the season on a fourth-and-goal throw from McCarthy, who finished 14-for-17 for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The only negative: McCarthy was sacked four times and took a few big hits.
“They have good players, too, and they beat us a couple times,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the price of doing business sometimes. They’re going to make a play.”
(Photo of J.J. McCarthy: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
