Observations on Michigan/Indiana

Observations on Michigan/Indiana I watched the Akron/Indiana game and was amazed at the poor rush defense of IU. Akron is not a good rushing team, yet they recorded 5.3 yards per rush against Indiana in that game. In earlier games this season, Akron averaged only 1.8 yards per rush against Kentucky and 2.3 ypr against Syracuse. Previously, IU gave up 227 yards and 5.4 ypr against Towson. IU ranks 106 out of 120 teams in the ypr category. Now they play a Michigan team that averages 331 ypg rushing, which is 2nd in the nation behind Air Force. I bet Michigan, then saw that Alf M liked the other side. I was encouraged today when I saw that Alf had switched and now likes Big Blue.

IU QB Ben Chappell 9 TDs 0 INTs, however in the Akron game he was ballooning many passes and his mobility was not as good as I recall last year. IU front 7 looked very slow and and the DBs small. Agree Sunbruin with your take on Michigan....however.... I'm not jumping on Big Blue, hedging completely our IU bet and now hoping for a middle or push/win. I do not bet sides to play middles. I try and get the best opening numbers vs my power ratings, BUT also after handicapping the matchup must be interested in that side or against the opponent.

This was a terrifc Middle opportunity but that was about it IMO..

At first glance it looks like Indiana could give Michigan a game. Their defensive front seven weighs in at 1872 lbs, and their offensive line averages 310 lbs a man. Their receivers are 6'3" 209, 6'5" 210, and 6'3" 200 (biggest corps this side of S.Carolina). With a 225lb tailback and 240lb QB, this will be one of the bigger teams M plays all season, and you would think the undersized Maize N Blue would have problems as the game wears on. However, as Alf & Sunbruin noted, these guys aren't very athletic at all. Despite the huge advantage in size, the speed of Michigan will off-set that, and will lead me to lay off this game. I do look for Indiana's receivers to make a few plays on those "ballooning passes" but it won't be enough.... Michigan should have lost last season's match-up and was EXTREMELY lucky to win 36-33. Because of that they will not take this game lightly, and the look ahead to Michigan State is not in effect.