Michigan didn’t get the upset it wanted, but the reason this game stayed alive for so long was sitting right in plain view. The Wolverines’ defense dragged them into overtime, only for the offense to give it all back in a 13-6 loss to Indiana at the Big House.
After Indiana’s first loss last weekend to Ohio State, the Hoosiers came in looking to bounce back. Michigan, though, made them work for everything.
The Wolverines held the game at six apiece until a field goal as time expired sent it to overtime. Indiana needed just two plays to punch in the winning touchdown, and Michigan never answered.
The story of the night, though, was the same one that keeps showing up for Michigan: the offense just isn’t getting it done.
It didn’t matter who was under center. The bigger issue was Jason Beck, and Saturday offered another loud reminder of that.
Michigan started Tommy Carr against one of the top defenses in the country, but Beck didn’t do much to help his true freshman quarterback settle in. The Wolverines had trouble running the ball, and when they did find a little room up the middle, Beck went away from it with perimeter run calls that didn’t work.
The most glaring decision came in the third quarter with Michigan on Indiana’s 2-yard line on third down. Rather than stay simple and physical, or even let Bryce Underwood sneak it, Beck called a naked bootleg that ended in a sack.
That drive went nowhere after that. Carr took the sack, Trey Butkowski missed his second field goal of the day, and Michigan again came away empty from a promising possession.
Kyle Whittingham loves Beck, and there is no denying he had success at both New Mexico and Utah, but this is Big Ten football. Beck hasn’t adjusted, and there is a clear denominator.
Carr’s first career start came with plenty of the expected growing pains. Against a defense as good as Indiana’s, the freshman had several rough moments.
He mishandled a speed option pitch to Savion Hiter in Michigan territory when the defense closed fast on him. He also forced a throw into triple coverage toward JJ Buchanan that was intercepted.
Late in the second quarter, he took a 12-yard sack in another spot where Michigan couldn’t afford it, and Butkowski missed the ensuing field goal.
Still, Carr showed enough to leave Michigan with something to build on. He had some happy feet, but he also stayed in the pocket and made a few good throws. His best play came on Michigan’s final drive, when he slipped away from pressure and hit Channing Goodwin on the left side for a needed first down.
What happens next is unclear, but Carr likely gets another shot against Rutgers to see how he handles a lighter matchup.
While the offense keeps stalling, Michigan’s defense kept the team in this one from start to finish. The only reason the Wolverines had a one-score game in the fourth quarter was because of that side of the ball.
Ohio State had shown the formula against Indiana last week by getting after Josh Hoover, and Michigan followed it on Saturday. Jay Hill’s unit came after Hoover early and often, with John Henry Daley and company creating problems off the edge. Hoover was unsettled from the opening snap, threw his first interception of the season, and Zeke Berry turned it into a Michigan field goal.
Hoover finished with just 81 passing yards. After struggling last weekend, Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry responded against two of the Big Ten’s elite receivers, Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh.
Michigan has a top-five defense in the country. Right now, the frustrating part is that it isn’t being used to anything close to its full value.
In Other News...
Michigan Still Has One Big Lineup Concern Ahead Of Indiana
Michigans third availability report for its upcoming game against Indiana brought no new changes, but it did reinforce the same concern that has been hanging over the week: the offensive line is still not where the Wolverines want it to be. Several players remain listed across the out, questionable and probable categories, leaving the front five as the biggest area to watch heading into the matchup.
There was at least a bit of encouraging news elsewhere on the injury front, with Kyle Whittingham saying safety Rod Moores issue is minor and not expected to keep him out long. Offensive tackle Andrew Babalola also appears to be nearing a return, which would help, but Michigan is still waiting for the line to look settled before kicking off against Indiana. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Fans Wont Believe The Flag That Helped Indiana Score
A controversial roughing-the-passer flag on Michigan freshman Tariq Boney became one of the early turning points in the game between No. 6 Indiana and Michigan, handing the Hoosiers 15 yards and a fresh set of downs after contact with quarterback Josh Hoover. The penalty kept Indiana's drive alive and helped it build an early lead, turning what looked like a routine defensive play into an immediate source of frustration for the Wolverines sideline and their fans.
Fox analyst Joel Klatt didnt hide his displeasure with the ruling as the game unfolded, calling out the officiating on air in real time. And with roughing calls already drawing attention in recent games, the flag fit neatly into a bigger conversation about how these plays are being judged, even if Michigan had little choice but to move on and keep playing. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Red Zone Frustration Just Put Jason Beck Under Fire
Michigans 13-6 loss to No. 6 Indiana was the kind of game that left the offense searching for answers on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines managed only 224 total yards, never found much rhythm on the ground, and had too many empty trips after moving the ball far enough to at least threaten. Kicker Trey Butkowski also missed two kicks, which only added to a night when Michigan couldnt afford to waste chances.
The pressure now turns toward offensive coordinator Jason Beck after a questionable play call drew attention from Kyle Whittingham, who said he took responsibility for the decision and its impact on the game. For a Michigan team that needs cleaner execution and better protection of possession moving forward, the margin for error is getting thinner. The next few games will show whether this was a one-off misstep or a sign the offense still has work to do before it can be trusted in tight spots. [Read more 🡒]