3 Storylines to watch for when Indiana football hosts Michigan

It probably feels like every week Curt Cignetti has a chance to make history with Indiana football. That’s because what he has done since taking over the program is so unprecedented.

Not only does he have the best start in program history in year one, but he also has a chance to have the winningest season in program history if Indiana football can win on Saturday.

The defending national champion Michigan Wolverines come to Bloomington, but this is not the same team that dominated college football a year ago.

Michigan’s head coach Jim Harbaugh and a ton of key players from the national championship team left for the NFL. One of the biggest losses was quarterback JJ McCarthy.

This Wolverine team is 5-4 on the season under Sherrone Moore and they are looking to clinch bowl eligibility when they come to Bloomington this weekend.

Some key storylines to follow for when Indiana football faces Michigan on Saturday.

Will Indiana Football be able to run the football?

Indiana football has not had much trouble running the football against anyone.

The story heading into the Nebraska game was that the Cornhuskers had not allowed a rushing touchdown on the season. The Hoosiers ended up rushing for 215 yards and five touchdowns.

While their numbers are similar to Nebraska’s, Michigan’s run defense has a ton of talent and it’s led to them allowing just 3.6 yards per attempt. 

Defensive linemen Mason Graham and Josaiah Stewart lead the way for the Wolverines. 

Indiana football wants to run the football so containing Graham and Stewart will be critical. 

The offensive line will have a tall task, but they have shown their ability every time they have been tested this season.

Saturday will be their next test as they face one of the most talented defensive lines in college football.

If the offensive line can continue their dominance and Indiana football can run the football, they should have no problems against the defending champs.

Can Indiana Football stop the Michigan rushing attack?

It is no secret that Michigan has a major flaw on the offensive side. Their inability to throw the football has been the story of their season.

Their inability to stretch the defense out has allowed teams to hone in on their talented rushing attack.

Running backs Kalael Mullings and Donaven Edwards have led the way on offense combining for 1,251 total yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.

Despite their struggles throwing the football, quarterback Alex Orji has also been a threat in the rushing attack. Orji has added 227 yards and a touchdown on 4.8 yards per attempt.

Stopping Michigan’s rushing attack is key to shutting down their offense.

In their five wins Michigan is averaging 202.6 rushing yards per game on 5.1 yards per attempt. In their four losses, they are averaging 118.3 rushing yards on 3.8 yards per attempt.

The biggest strength of the Hoosier defense has been their run defense. On the season they are allowing just 72.6 rushing yards per game on 2.5 yards per attempt.

Last week was an example of their dominance against the run as they held Michigan State to -36 rushing yards in a dominant win.

If Indiana football can continue to be stellar against the run, they should have no problems shutting down the Michigan offense.

Can Kurtis Rourke take advantage of Michigan’s depleted secondary?

Kurtis Rourke made his return to action last week against Michigan State and he picked up right where he left off when he left the Nebraska game with an injury.

Rourke threw for 263 yards and four touchdowns in the win and reignited the passing attack that struggled in his absence.

Michigan’s pass defense was supposed to be a strength, but injuries to key defensive backs Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill have caused problems on the back end.

Last week Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel took full advantage throwing for 294 yards in their win.

Indiana’s ability to create a balanced offensive approach has made them so difficult to prepare for. With a rushing attack averaging over 190 yards a game combined with Rourke’s ability to push the ball downfield, the Hoosiers have had no trouble scoring this year.

If Rourke and Indiana football can open the defense up with the passing attack it will help Indiana create gaps to run the football and set the tone on Saturday.

SEE ALSO: How does Indiana football stack up against the best in the country? ‘They can play with anybody’

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.