Indiana Football Beats Michigan for the 1st Time in 33 Years

Normally, if one is talking about a game involving Indiana and Michigan, with both teams being ranked in the Top 25, it would be about basketball, but the November 7th contest between #13 Indiana and #23 Michigan was a football game. This matchup has been almost a default victory for Michigan throughout history; prior to this game, Michigan led the series 59-9 with the last Hoosier win coming back in 1987. In the intervening 33 years, Michigan was 24-0.

That streak finally came to an end on November 7th. Indiana quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns as the Hoosiers defeated the Wolverines 38-21 in Bloomington, Indiana. Ty Fryfogle had seven receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown, while Whop Philyor had 11 catches for 79 yards. The Hoosiers lead the Big Ten in Interesting Names for Wide Receivers. Steve Scott II rushed for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Michigan was held to just 13 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Michigan quarterback Joe Milton completed 18 of 34 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions.

Indiana improved to 3-0 on the season and is tied for the lead in the Big Ten East with Ohio State. The Hoosiers play at Michigan State (1-2) on November 14th. With the loss, Michigan dropped out of the Top 25. The Wolverines host #13 Wisconsin (1-0) on the 14th, provided the Badgers have recovered from the Covid-19 outbreak that caused the cancellation of their last two games. There is increasing pressure on Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to, well, start beating somebody. The Wolverines under Harbaugh are building a reputation for losing to ranked teams or teams they should be able to beat, which doesn’t get your team in the College Football Playoff.