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Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 52-7 win over Indiana

Chris Balasby: Chris Balas10/15/23Balas_Wolverine
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Michigan running back Blake Corum averaged 4 yards per carry against Indiana.

Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 52-7 win over Indiana in Game 7. The Wolverines started slowly and got dominated in the first quarter before picking it up. Junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy did it with both his arm and his legs, while the defense stiffened in the last three quarters.

RELATED: Michigan 52, Indiana 7 – Notes, quotes, and observations

Michigan rushing offense: B–

It’s still not where it needs to be against the better teams, but the Wolverines did rush for 186 yards and averaged 4.9 per carry when sack yardage was removed. Freshman Benjamin Hall led the way in the fourth quarter with 58 yards on 9 carries, averaging 6.4, and senior Blake Corum averaged 4. But 6 of Corum’s 13 carries were 3 yards or less (“inefficients”), while 7 of Michigan junior Donovan Edwards‘ 9 were in the same category. That’s not good enough. Junior quarterback McCarthy is a big reason for the Michigan offense’s success, including with his feet (50 gross yards, not including sack yardage).

Passing offense: A-

McCarthy was sacked 4 times — that needs to be tightened up — but he improvised, kept many plays alive with his feet, and completed 14 of 17 passes for 222 yards and 3 scores in three quarters, on a lousy weather day. He’s special. They continue to spread the ball around, as well. Sophomore Colston Loveland had an early drop, but his 80 yards led the receivers. It was good to see sophomore Tyler Morris get into the action, too, with 4 catches for 54 yards.

Michigan rushing defense: A-

The Hoosiers had some success in the first quarter — 8 carries for 39 yards — before Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter tightened things up. Trent Howland was the only back who had much success (5 carries, 35 yards), and most of that was in the fourth quarter when the game was no longer in doubt. For the most part, the Hoosiers tried to get Michigan in the short passing game.

Passing defense: B+

The Hoosiers went back and forth between quarterbacks, with Brendan Sorsby having the most success. He completed only 6 of 13 passes. The two quarterbacks, in fact, combined for only 96 yards with a long of 17. The best play came on a double pass from receiver to receiver and gave the Hoosiers a 7-0 lead, a 44-yard score. But Michigan picked off 2 passes, as well, and allowed only 38 passing yards in the final three quarters.

Michigan special teams: A

Morris came up with a nifty punt return of 27 yards, and Jake Thaw had a 10-yarder. James Turner made his only field goal and junior Tommy Doman was deep with his kickoffs, as always. The Wolverines did a good job against IU’s dangerous return man Jaylin Lucas, as well. He had nowhere to go on his 2 kick returns.

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