Predicting The Final Score Of Michigan vs. Indiana

Last season, Michigan and Indiana put on a show. The two teams combined to score 110 points in a 63-47 Michigan win. This year will be different. Michigan’s offense has struggled all season long, and Indiana is down to their third-string quarterback. The loser of this game will get the distinction of being the worst team in the Big Ten East Division.

For Michigan, they will look for a bounce-back performance from Devin Gardner. He struggled mightily last week, but he has a much easier defense to play this week. Last year against Indiana, Gardner combined for just under 600 total yards and five total touchdowns. The Hoosiers were unable to stop him — or any other offensive player for that matter.

This season, they aren’t much better. The Indiana defense has given up 34.9 points per game, which is good for 107th in the country. Gardner, along with Devin Funchess, Amara Darboh and De’Veon Smith, should be able to have a field day.

On the Indiana side of the ball, Tevin Coleman will look to lead the way on offense. Coleman is currently third in the country in rushing yards and fifth in yards per carry. Indiana will once again be led in the passing game by third-string quarterback Zander Diamont. Diamont threw for only 11 yards in the Hoosiers’ last game on only five completions.

The game will be close, but I give the edge to Michigan being at home. The Wolverines still have a winning record at home this year and have the advantage on both sides of the ball. The quarterback injuries for Indiana is what really does them in. Michigan will stay alive for at least one more week in their quest for an above-.500 season.

Prediction: Michigan 27, Indiana 20

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.