The Wolverines almost played spoiler to Indiana’s magical run, now they’re heading into another bye week still looking for a sixth win and bowl eligibility. Here are our three winners and three losers after the loss to Indiana.
It looked like it’d get out of hand early, but the Michigan Wolverines only allowed three points in the second half to Indiana and made quite the comeback. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as the Wolverines only scored 15 points and left Indiana with its fifth loss of the season.
Here are our winners and losers from Michigan’s loss to Indiana.
Winner: Dominic Zvada
Yes, we’re starting with the kicker. Dominic Zvada was 3-of-3 on field goals, including one from 56 yards. He set the program record for most field goals from 50+ range (five) in a Michigan career. Zvada has been automatic this year.
Loser: Kirk Campbell
Is it just me, or does it seem like Kirk Campbell’s game plan doesn’t factor in reality? The loss of Giovanni El-Hadi during the game was a tough blow, and I thought there would be a drop-off in offensive line play, but you should have some workarounds for when that happens this late into the season.
Instead, his run game basically centered on trying to run right up the middle. Michigan missed some major opportunities in this one, and I think a lot of that rests on the play caller.
Winner: Defense
The secondary got beat on a few plays, but the Wolverines held an Indiana team that was on fire offensively to just 20 points at home. TJ Guy, Cam Brandt and Jaishawn Barham had sacks and tackles for loss, and while Zeke Berry was in coverage for one of IU’s touchdowns, he also had three pass breakups and an interception. For a unit playing without Will Johnson, they stepped up.
Loser: Personnel decisions
I don’t know how many of the personnel decisions rest on Campbell and how many rest on Sherrone Moore, but I didn’t love the idea of using Ben Hall at the goal line. Sherrone Moore said after the game that Hall and Donovan Edwards had practiced well and earned the snaps, but it should have been Kalel Mullings in those big plays, right?
Mullings has proven himself on the field this season more than almost anyone. He did get into the end zone in the fourth quarter, but it would’ve been nice to score a touchdown after the turnover.
Winner: Jordan Marshall
The Wolverines finally had help from Jordan Marshall on kick returns this week after he had been on the injury list for two months. He did a nice job stepping back into the role, averaging just 25 yards on his four returns, but he had a long of 37 yards, putting Michigan in good field position to start the second half.
Loser: Alex Orji
Some of the pressure on Alex Orji doesn’t necessarily seem fair given the position that coaches are putting him in, but he has to make the most of his opportunities. He had just three carries for one yard and a crucial fumble in the second quarter. It was a rough day at the office for him.
Who are your winners and losers after Michigan’s loss to Indiana? Let us know in the comments!