Handing out grades for Michigan’s game at Indiana

Maybe there’s one thing to this “entice recreation” phenomenon in spite of everything. The Michigan Wolverines sulked their manner right into a 10-10 recreation on the half, however their expertise benefit was an excessive amount of for the Indiana Hoosiers to maintain tempo with.

If I’m being trustworthy, a so-so effort in opposition to Indiana isn’t the worst factor on this planet. Nonetheless, the Hoosiers highlighted loads of areas needing enchancment within the lead-up to subsequent week’s main take a look at.

Let’s hand out some grades.

Quarterbacks: B-

J.J. McCarthy lastly broke the 300-yard mark by means of the air — the worst cross protection within the Huge Ten. Frankly, he ought to haven’t have handed that milestone the way in which he performed. McCarthy had three passes that ought to have been picked off, one in all which was and stored Indiana within the recreation longer than it had any enterprise doing so. Talking of that decide, McCarthy’s tunnel imaginative and prescient on that play prevented him from noticing a wide-open man beneath that may have garnered Michigan a much-needed first down on that play.

That being mentioned, I’m hesitant to drop his grade decrease. McCarthy commanded the pocket properly and utilized his legs to make performs. Moreover, Michigan’s offensive recreation plan didn’t place him ready to use Indiana’s atrocious cross protection. He should play smarter if the Wolverines are to beat Penn State.

Large Receivers and Tight Ends: B-

The 121 yards for Ronnie Bell and two landing receptions for Cornelius Johnson spotlight the manufacturing for this group. These are hardly stats to scoff at, not to mention label common. Nonetheless, as was the case for the grade I gave McCarthy, these numbers have been put up in opposition to a pitiful cross protection. The Wolverines’ receivers by no means garnered a lot house downfield, nor did they set up leverage blocking on the skin operating recreation.

Working Backs: B

Other than an electrical 50-yard rush from Blake Corum on Michigan’s opening drive, the bottom recreation by no means gained traction. Nonetheless, the Lord solely is aware of how a lot Mike Hart’s medical emergency impacted the Michigan sideline, particularly Corum and Donovan Edwards. Subsequently, with out understanding the way of thinking of this dynamic duo after that scary second, I admit I can’t grade this group utilizing a typical scale. Moreover, it was obvious Indiana’s recreation plan was to promote out in opposition to the run. Seldom was there a play the place the Hoosiers didn’t overload the field.

Offensive Line: B

McCarthy was by no means sacked and the Hoosier protection by no means registered a quarterback hurry. Regardless of this, nonetheless, the defending Joe Moore Award winners couldn’t outmuscle the Indiana entrance to get the operating recreation going and surrendered 5 tackles for loss. General, a serviceable efficiency for the lads up entrance.

Entrance 7: A

Seven sacks by seven totally different Wolverines and 10 tackles for loss — Michigan’s defensive entrance just about gained the sport for the Maize and Blue. Together with sacks, the Michigan protection held Indiana to a measly 19 yards on the bottom, averaging lower than a yard per tote. Their finest efficiency of the season.

Secondary: A-

Throughout Indiana’s second drive of the sport, this group appeared eerily just like its 2020 iteration. Hoosiers have been both huge open, or a defender was caught with cross interference. And for a big section of the primary half, Michigan couldn’t cease Indiana’s huge receiver screens. Nonetheless, after the half, the workers adjusted the scheme to virtually shut down the air assault. Towards a more durable foe, changes is not going to be really easy, however the secondary settled in and obtained the job performed.

Particular Groups: B

This was a median outing for the particular groups. A blocked area aim and a muffed punt that would have swung the sport within the second half are notable blemishes. However A.J. Henning’s nine-yard punt return common and Brad Robbin’s 58-yard bomb of a punt gave the Wolverines sufficient of a bonus to forestall Indiana from making the second half nearer.

Deportment: B-

Nicely, there wasn’t a lot to love about how the staff carried themselves or how the coaches strategized for this tilt. Michigan appeared out-coached for a considerable a part of this recreation.

On offense, the Wolverines stored making an attempt to interrupt Corum out to the perimeter even when Indiana made it abundantly clear it was specializing in stopping the run. What was the rationale? As I’ve talked about a number of instances on this article, Indiana has the worst passing protection within the convention, and McCarthy wants all of the expertise he can get. Defensively, we noticed that Jesse Minter can regulate his schemes however not earlier than producing loads of movie to get the Buckeyes’ bevy of huge receivers salivating.

I get subsequent week’s recreation is very large, however what the staff confirmed on Saturday belies Jim Harbaugh’s message to take issues week-by-week.

Now’s your probability to grader the grader! Are these grades honest? Tell us down beneath.