No. 4 Michigan hosts Indiana in last home game of season

Michigan’s mission is to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004 and reach the playoff.

“That was huge”, MI coach Jim Harbaugh said. The Hoosiers put a good scare into another top-10 opponent, but MI survived on a snowy evening and advanced to its season finale against rival Ohio State with playoff hopes intact. That was 2001 when IU went 4-4 in the Big Ten and still didn’t make a bowl game because it won just one non-conference game. It’s us and them. Two out of those four now hold spots in the College Football Playoff Top-4.

“We just got to go out there and play 60 minutes of football”. “We know we still have opportunities, even the national championship”, sophomore tailback Karan Higdon said after the game. “That’s what we did”.

MI quarterback John O’Korn scooted away from an IN pass-rusher late IN the third quarter and sprinted 30 yards downfield to breathe some life into an otherwise frozen-stiff Big House crowd on Saturday.

“When John took off on that run, it sparked the offensive line, ” Smith said. Then, on Michigans next possession, Smith, following the precision blocking in front of him, scampered 39 yards for another score.

“A lot of people talk about balance”, IN coach Kevin Wilson said. “We’re confident they can do a good job”. All it takes is one shot to get to Indianapolis. “De’Veon, he played with great motivation and it was great play by the offensive line”. The Hoosiers are now 5-5 on the season and 3-4 in the Big Ten.

For two-plus quarters, it looked as if the Hoosiers (5-6, 3-5) might earn one of the most significant wins in school history. It was, however, easier said than done, at least for more than half the game. “Our kicking game and punting also got us today a little bit”. It’s a lot to get it stopped, to get the momentum stopped. If they’re sloppy with the ball Saturday, Michigan will feast.

O’Korn was 7 of 16 yards for just 59 yards. He finished with a career-high 158 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. They held a 7-3 lead at halftime and they held a 10-6 lead midway through the third quarter. The touchdown capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

The Wolverines squeaked past a middling IN team, 20-10, thanks largely to running back De’Veon Smith and their typically-stout defense. Sure. That’s it. Wolverines win.

MI found itself in a fight against the Hoosiers, but ultimately came out on top 20-10.

Michigan’s head coach also discussed the impact Schembechler had on his life, and in particular, the week of preparation against Ohio State. On Saturday against IN, everyone had a chance to witness the Wolverines’ backup quarterback start a football game for his first time since 2014. Perhaps he’ll be well enough to play next weekend at Ohio State.

The last time these two teams met it was a double-overtime thriller in Bloomington.