It's the biggest challenge that Michigan football will have had thus far, but Indiana is coming not only off its biggest challenge, but also the first loss the Hoosiers have had since the 2024 College Football Playoff.
The defending national champion is coming to The Big House, where, after having lost to 2024 national champion Ohio State, it will face 2023 national champion Michigan.
One of the bigger challenges for the Wolverines will be to stall out what can be a potent Indiana offense, particularly the passing attack. Star wide receiver Charlie Becker shared his thoughts on the Michigan defense, noting that it starts up front, but the whole of the defense is beyond solid.
"They have talent all over the place," Becker said. "Defensively, their
defensive line is really, really good. So as receivers, we got to get open before the pass rush can get to the quarterback. Defensive backs, they have really good DBs. So again, that'll be another challenge for us as receivers, being able to get open. And they've got linebackers that can stop the run. So I'm looking forward to the challenge, and I think it'll be a good one."
The Wolverines are No. 1 in yards per play allowed nationally, and fourth in total defense entering Saturday's contest. They're 13th in passing defense and 11th in yards per attempt.
On the other side of the ball, Michigan has its toughest challenge with the offense going up against the IU defense. With the ferocious defensive line that the Hoosiers present, it will be incumbent upon the maize and blue to get some push, but also to make plays through the air.
Indiana defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker shared his thoughts about facing off against the Michigan offense, first giving a bit of a general answer.
"Yeah, they liked the new quarterback they put in. He was pretty good for them," Tucker said. "So we'll see who they put in at QB, but ultimately it's on us to prepare and just mentally prepare and physically prepare our bodies to get ready for whatever they're going to throw at us."
But then, there's the quarterback change.
Tucker says he hasn't seen much of a disparity between Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr, but says that the Hoosiers are preparing for both quarterbacks.
"I haven't really seen too much of a difference yet, but it's kind of early in the week," Tucker said. "Got to keep watching film on them, but ultimately just being prepared to, one, first stop the run, and then two, be ready for, again, whatever QB they throw at us. Kind of don't know, so we're in a paramount right now, so just waiting to see and preparing."
Indiana and Michigan will kick off at 12:10 p.m. EDT at The Big House, with the game set to be televised on Fox.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Indiana players praise Michigan defense, weigh in on QB change
