While few believe that Michigan football can beat defending national champion Indiana, the Wolverines have new life, expected to start Tommy Carr at quarterback. But that's not the only reason some look at it as a sneaky potential upset.
On the Cover 3 Podcast, former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell believes that it could be a trap for IU, given that the Hoosiers have to play the No. 4 total defense (No. 1 in yards per play allowed), and banged-up Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover is coming off his worst game in Bloomington.
"I think this is a tough spot for Indiana," Kanell said. "Clearly, it was a physical game versus Ohio State. Josh Hoover probably had his worst game yet as the quarterback. Now he's got to go play up against a Michigan
defense, which is really good, that I think could present some problems on the road.
"What is Tommy Carr going to look like with a game plan that's featuring him as the quarterback? Is he more consistent? Is he more of a run threat than Bryce Underwood was?
"They (Indiana) weren't able to run the ball great against Ohio State's defense. Are they going to be able to run it against this defense? I think this is a tough spot for Indiana. Now they're favored for a reason. They're probably better top to bottom, but I think this is a tricky spot for the Hoosiers."
Is Indiana walking into a TRAP at Michigan? 👀@dannykanell has some concerns about the Hoosiers ahead of their trip to Ann Arbor. pic.twitter.com/k8rONtn1eA
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) October 21, 2026
Hoover had his worst game last year when he was the TCU quarterback going up against Jay Hill's BYU defense. Now with Jay Hill in Ann Arbor, and Indiana coming off a loss while Michigan has found some juice offensively, the elements are there for a potential upset. It will be up to the Wolverines to capitalize.
Kickoff is set for noon Saturday at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Danny Kanell explains why Michigan could upset Indiana
