The defense saves the Hoosiers and makes it 10-0

by Junna Base November 10, 2024

BLOOMINGTON – No. 8 Indiana was put under real pressure for the first time this season, edging Michigan 20-15 on Saturday to secure the first 10-win season in program history. Here’s how the Hoosiers performed:

OFFENSE: C+

IU threatened to make this game a laugh again in the first half, beating Michigan 228-94 and opening a two-touchdown lead. Then things came to a standstill. The Hoosiers gained seven total yards in the third quarter and struggled just to get out of negative territory in the fourth quarter. Michigan’s pass rush repeatedly smashed Kurtis Rourke’s pocket. Typically, reliable receivers dropped passes. The aggressive, free-flowing attack that had buried one Big Ten opponent after another stopped cold in the face of Michigan’s tough defensive line and allowed the Wolverines to get back into the game.

There is some mitigation from injuries here, as IU lost a starting player during the week and then several experienced players in and out of the game itself. Still, this was easily Indiana’s worst day on that side of the ball and a wake-up call for Ohio State in two weeks.

DEFENSE: A

Considering how often it was put in difficult positions, the IU defense got some credit on Saturday. Michigan isn’t much of a challenge offensively. But a stop in the red zone after a Rourke interception held Michigan to a field goal when the Wolverines needed a touchdown, and while last week’s sack-fest in East Lansing didn’t continue in this game, Indiana’s forward Davis Warren practiced that way under intense pressure that he had to push through, he accelerated, leading to a series of falls and rescues.

Ultimately, stingy defense and a crucial stop in the fourth period ended the game. Another good day for a unit emerging from the shadows of its offensive here in November.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

James Evans’ poor punt set up a Michigan touchdown drive, but Ke’Shawn Williams’ return in the fourth quarter put paid to that. Michigan probably hurt Indiana more on the kick return than anyone else this year, although that was still a matter of degree. Nico Radicic’s field goal shots ended up being pretty important, even if the shots were straightforward. IU was better here but made winning plays when it mattered most.

COACHING: B+

This was Indiana facing real adversity for the first time this year. No close game in the fourth quarter or early 10-0 second leg against an inferior opponent. But a team with rhythm and confidence suddenly lost both in the face of the most talented opponent they have seen so far this season. Saturday was a test of plan, but more than that of organization, adaptation and nerves. It’s all getting more real now and the pressure is on, and Indiana needed to be coached at times along the way.

The Hoosiers held their nerve and held their own. When faced with a completely different level of pressure for the first time this season, they didn’t shy away. Now they have a second week to clean up before Columbus.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aiden Fisher, linebacker

On an afternoon where the defense held the Hoosiers to perfection, their de facto captain gets that honor. Fisher finished Saturday tied for the lead in the Big Ten with 98 tackles after making a remarkable 14 in IU’s win over Michigan. In a game that became more of a physical battle than any before, no one embodied Indiana’s ability to rise to the challenge quite like their junior linebacker.

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