Michigan @ Indiana preview
Memorial Stadium "The Rock"
Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2009 ) Indiana 33, Michigan 36
Hearts skipped a beat last week in Ann Arbor when Michigan’s quarterback sensation Denard Robinson left the field with a knee injury.
Things are better now after coach Rich Rodriguez said it was only a “bruise” that forced Robinson out of the Wolverines’ 65-21 win over Bowling Green, and that the nation’s rushing leader would be a go for this weekend’s Big Ten opener at Indiana.
That doesn’t mean that the nerves are completely calmed this week. The 19th-ranked Wolverines (4-0) face an undefeated Indiana team (3-0) that wants to prove that its fast start against inferior opponents is the real deal.
And Michigan’s memories of last season’s collapse are still fresh. The Wolverines were 4-0 before losing seven of their last eight games for their second straight losing season. Their only Big Ten win was a 36-33 win at home over Indiana on a late touchdown pass by quarterback Tate Forcier, who is now Robinson’s backup.
Michigan’s faithful know that Robinson’s play – and health – is vital to the program’s turnaround. Despite missing three quarters against Bowling Green, he averages 172 rushing yards per game and has scored six touchdowns. He also has completed 71 percent of his passes (57 of 80) for 731 yards and four touchdowns.
Saturday’s game matches productive offenses and struggling defenses which have allowed big plays. It’s a recipe that could light up the scoreboard.
Indiana has the conference’s best passing offense (304 yards per game), but it has come against three opponents with a combined record of 1-11 – Towson State, Western Kentucky and Akron.
Still, quarterback Ben Chappell has passed for 890 yards and nine touchdowns and has not thrown an interception. Wide receiver Damarlo Belcher has 21 receptions for 284 yards.
With Robinson leading the way, Michigan is second in the nation in rushing at 331 yards per game. Running back Michael Shaw, who is questionable for Indiana with a knee injury, has rushed for 245 yards and five touchdowns.
The Wolverines also have the benefit of having Tate as Robinson’s backup, or perhaps even as a change of pace. Tate was 12 of 12 for 110 yards and a touchdown last week.
Indiana hasn’t been 4-0 to start a season since 1990, and has been 4-0 only five times in its history. A 5-0 start for Michigan will further calm frazzled nerves, especially with nationally ranked Michigan State, Iowa and Penn State coming up for the next three games.
Coming off an idle week, Indiana is pretty healthy. Michigan has been banged up, but defensive back Carvin Johnson (knee) and linebacker Brandon Herron (ankle) are expected back.
Michigan leads the series 51-9.