Michigan’s defense did its job Saturday. The offense didn’t, and that was the difference in a 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana inside Michigan Stadium.
After four quarters of bruising, low-scoring football, the Wolverines got the kind of game they needed from Jay Hill’s unit. But once the game reached overtime, Indiana needed only two snaps to end it. Michigan never found the end zone, and the missed chances piled up long before that final sequence.
True freshman quarterback Tommy Carr made his first career start after replacing Bryce Underwood against Penn State last weekend, and there were some encouraging moments in the passing game. Still, the bigger picture was the same old problem: Michigan could not generate enough offense against one of the nation’s best defenses.
Carr went 20 of 32 for 167 yards with an interception in regulation. JJ Buchanan was the top target, finishing with six catches for 57 yards, while Channing Goodwin added two receptions for 32 yards.
The ground game never got moving. Michigan ran for just 57 yards on 42 attempts in regulation, a meager 1.4 yards per carry. Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter combined for 41 yards on 22 carries, and Indiana’s fourth-ranked rushing defense controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish.
There were also drive-killing mistakes in the passing game. Questionable play-calling from offensive coordinator Jason Beck led to two costly sacks that shut down promising possessions, and in a game this tight, those empty trips loomed large.
The defense was more than ready for the moment. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover completed only 8 of 18 passes for 81 yards and an interception in regulation, and Michigan’s experienced secondary did a strong job limiting Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker. The Wolverines kept coming up with stops, and Indiana was held out of the end zone entirely through four quarters.
The Hoosiers did move the ball for 127 rushing yards in regulation, but they had to settle for two field goals.
Then overtime arrived, and Indiana wasted no time. Hoover hit tight end Brock Schott for 21 yards on the first play, then scored himself on the next snap to put the Hoosiers ahead 13-6. Michigan’s offense came back needing a touchdown to extend the game, but Carr and the Wolverines couldn’t answer.
In the end, Michigan’s defense gave it every chance to pull off the upset. But the inability to establish the run, the wasted scoring opportunities and the offensive misfires were too much to overcome.
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Michigans Red Zone Frustration Just Put Jason Beck Under Fire
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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 🡒]