By Brian Smith
Special to Under The Rock
Headlines across the country read, "Hoosiers knock off Michigan at the Big House." Let's get right to how IU can slay the Wolverines.
First, just like with any other game, turnovers change momentum and often lead to great field position. Considering Michigan's penchant for turning the football over and true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier conducting the spread offense, IU holds a distinct advantage.
To create turnovers, hit the quarterback, hit the quarterback, and hit the quarterback again. Football is barbaric and IU needs to be the aggressor. IU defensive ends Jamie Kirlew and Greg Middleton must help take away Forcier's inside runs, draws, and option keepers. A battered freshman signal caller will lead to turnovers.
Run the football! The Pistol offense makes it difficult for a defense to spotlight one player or concentrate its effort towards just stopping the run or the pass. Draw the safeties near the line of scrimmage by running the football, then play-action pass over the top. Voila. It sounds so simple, but with a talented group of running backs and a vastly improved offensive line, IU should be able to pound the football against Michigan for consistent gains ranging from three-to-six yards. Ben Chappell must deliver accurate passes - over the drawn-in safeties - to his wide receivers to seal the deal. Michigan's pass defense, or lack thereof, led to many loses last season.
Note: Sans Brandon Graham, a defensive end, and Obi Ezi, a linebacker, the Michigan front seven lacks its usual talent and experience. There are other talented players such as sophomore defensive tackle Mike Martin, but the Wolverines truly lack its normal front seven talent level.
The Hoosiers have the ability to defeat Michigan. If they stick to the game plan, the headlines will favor the Hoosiers.
