Michigan’s quarterback picture is still murky, and that uncertainty hangs over Saturday’s matchup with Indiana at Michigan Stadium.
Kyle Whittingham wouldn’t reveal who will start under center against the Hoosiers, keeping that edge from Curt Cignetti as the Wolverines try to sort out their offense. Cignetti, for his part, is preparing as if freshman Tommy Carr will get the nod, with Bryce Underwood also likely to see the field - and maybe even both at once. Indiana has its own quarterback question after Josh Hoover dealt with right arm soreness in the loss to Ohio State last weekend, though he has said he’s fine.
The game may come down to the ground. Indiana enters ranked No. 4 nationally against the run, allowing 75.4 yards per game, while Michigan sits 13th at 89.7 yards allowed. The Wolverines got a little more confidence from their rushing attack in last weekend’s win over Penn State, including some long runs over 40 yards, but Penn State’s run defense is one of the weakest in the Big Ten.
All four Detroit News writers picked Indiana, though the scores varied.
Angelique S. Chengelis sees a 20-17 Indiana win, pointing to the run defenses and the uncertainty at quarterback.
Connor Earegood also has Indiana on top, 28-20, saying Michigan is putting a lot on the shoulders of a true freshman against a defense with premier talent. He also noted Hoover’s clean stat line - 18 touchdown passes and no interceptions - and highlighted former Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh, who has seven touchdown catches and is back at Michigan Stadium after a 20-yard score there in 2024.
John Niyo picked Indiana 27-17, citing Michigan’s defense doing its part but warning that the Hoosiers are the best team the Wolverines have seen. He also pointed to Indiana’s discipline: Hoover has not thrown an interception, and only Notre Dame has been penalized less this season.
Bob Wojnowski called it a possible statement game for Michigan, or another slow offensive slog. His pick was Indiana 17-13.
He said Carr looks composed enough to handle the moment, but Michigan will need more from its run game, with perhaps Underwood used in run packages. If the Wolverines can’t get past 20 points - something they’ve done only twice this season - Wojnowski said the defense may need to force a turnover or two.
He also noted Indiana’s receiving duo of Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh will challenge Michigan’s secondary, while the Hoosiers will not be overawed by the Big House.
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Roddy Gayle Jr. Gives Michigan A Needed Boost At The Right Time
Roddy Gayle Jr. is back in the mix at just the right moment for Michigan, with a temporary restraining order clearing him to return in an upcoming exhibition against Houston. For a Wolverines team looking to get its footing before the real games begin, having a veteran guard with experience and proven skill available again changes the tone of the buildup in a hurry.
Mike Boynton made clear how much the return means, saying hes excited to have Gayle back in the fold. Gayle, meanwhile, said he leaned on support from teammates and peers while making the decision to come back to college basketball, a reminder that this wasnt just a procedural twist but a personal one as well. The only question now is how quickly he can settle back in and give Michigan the boost it has been waiting for. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Indiana Prep Hinges On An Offensive Line Concern
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There was at least a bit of encouragement elsewhere on the injury front. Coach Kyle Whittingham said safety Rod Moores injury is minor and not expected to keep him out long, while offensive tackle Andrew Babalola could be back to add depth to the line. For a Michigan team trying to stabilize its protection and get through the week with enough healthy bodies, the update points to a front five that still deserves close attention. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Suddenly Has A Chance To Make Saturday Matter Again
Michigans offense looked different after the quarterback switch to Tommy Carr, and that alone was enough to make a sluggish afternoon feel a little more promising. The change came in the second half of a recent game, when Bryce Underwood was replaced and the unit found a better rhythm, giving the Wolverines at least a path forward as they try to steady themselves in a season where every meaningful snap seems to matter more than the last.
Now the spotlight shifts to Saturday, where CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford has put Indiana on upset alert ahead of a matchup that suddenly carries real weight for both sides. A win would matter a great deal for Michigans College Football Playoff hopes and its Big Ten standing, while Indiana is dealing with the same kind of pressure, making this less like a routine conference game and more like a chance to change the direction of the season. [Read more 🡒]