Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from tough win over Indiana in Week 12
By John Scimeca
Michigan football avoided a major letdown against Indiana in Week 12, putting the Hoosiers away, 31-20, in Ann Arbor to set up a huge season finale.
Before Saturday’s contest between these Big Ten border rivals, the conversation centered around Michigan’s 22-game wining streak and the odds of the Wolverines avoiding a “trap game” sensation. Michigan will face arch-rival Ohio State next weekend in a matchup that will define the East Division champion and a berth in the conference title game against Northwestern.
During Saturday’s game, however, the focus quickly turned to the underdog and Michigan’s inability to assert itself. In front of a home crowd and on Senior Night, many expected this Jim Harbaugh-coached program to make quick work of the 5-5 Hoosiers.
The 28-point underdogs made themselves at home in Ann Arbor, Mich. by taking a 17-15 halftime lead. Michigan took control of the game in the third quarter after a 2-yard touchdown run by Karan Higdon, taking a 22-17 lead.
Freshman kicker Jake Moody was 6-for-6 on field goals, including a 29-yarder that sealed the deal with 2:37 remaining by making the margin a two-score one. Michigan held on for a 31-20 victory, but at what cost?