24 Jan 11 Michigan-Indiana Preview: Wolverines Look To Stay Undefeated in Big Ten Opener

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesTime: 3:30 EST Location: Bloomington, IN Line: Michigan -10 TV: ESPNU Weather:66 and Partly Cloudy This is the first Big Ten game of 2010 for both teams.IU is 3-0 with wins over Towson, W. Kentucky, and Akron, while Michigan is 4-0 with wins over UConn, ND, UMass, Denver Broncos jersey
and Bowling Green. If it was a boxing match, most experts would expect a knockout in the first three roundsboth guys throw a ton of punches but don't protect themselves very well. Let's go to the team rankings through three or four games: RushingMichigan No. 2 IU No. 96 PassingMichigan No. 50 IU No. 11 Points ForMichigan No. 11 IU No. 10 Points AgainstMichigan No. 64 IU No. 43 So what do you make of these? It's clear both teams like to score points, Michigan on the ground and IU through the air.Neither team plays much defense. I would say Michigan, being No. 64 against the teams they played, is a bit better than IU's No. 43 through three cupcakes.Everyone is predicting a ton of points in this one and a running time of about five hours, which should make the crew from ESPNU happy, since two million people tuned in for the Michigan-BGSU blowout a week earlier.Tale of the Tape Michigan Offense vs. IU Defense = Denard Robinson IU Offense vs. Michigan D = Lots of practice for Michigan's young DBs Special Teams = Push Intangibles = Push (IU is at home, but Michigan is the best team they have faced this year)Indiana has a senior QB and good players at the skill positions. Michigan on defense will have to get a ton of pressurewith thepass rush and not get surprised by the running game.Michigan's DBs will have to make some plays to get some stops. If there was ever a time to consider Brian from Mgoblog'stheory of putting Jordan Kovacs atmiddle linebacker, this would be the game.IUcame into Detroit Lions
the Big House last year and almost beatMichigan, with only a controversial interceptionby Donovan Warrengiving Big Blue the win. IU on defense won't be able to stopMichigan's offense, since they had a hard time stopping Western Kentucky and Akron.Ball protection will be key for Wolverines.Michigan was focused and ready toplay the last time they had a road game in Indiana a couple of weeks ago against ND, and theyneed to have the same focus against IU. Sing Hail to the Victors if...Michigan doesn't have to puntor kick field goals again.Denard is Denard.The Michigan defense against UConn, ND, and BGSU shows up.Michigan gets five sacks and two picks.A Michigan RB has over 100 yards and Darryl Stonum and Roy Roundtree are open all day.Bill Lynch launches his gum toward the crowd three times. Is that Double Bubble? Scream "Indiana is a basketball school!" if...The game becomes the "(Ben) Chappell Show." If Saturday starts to look like 2009.IU gets some stops on defense.Michigan turns the ball over.Michigan's DBs look like high school seniors.There is one thing I know for sure insports: When everyone thinks one thing is going to happen, the opposite usually does.Everyone and their brother are calling for a ton of points in this game (like 80!). Whoever scores last Green Bay Packers jersey
wins! Which could be true, but I think Michigan's 2010defense is actually better suited for a pistol or spread type of offense than a pro style (like Michigan will see the following weeks). Greg Robinson will be very key in thisgame with the personnel and formations he uses.I think both teams will give up big plays, but not as many as predicted. Turnovers will be the difference. Michigan31 IU 20. GO BLUE!This article is also featured onThe BIG HOUSE Blog