The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines will look to build off their impressive win over Rutgers their last time out with another commanding victory.
Given the Hoosiers’ recent trend, that shouldn’t be too big a task. Indiana has dropped five straight and four in a row ATS.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indiana Hoosiers +11.5
Michigan Wolverines -11.5
Over/Under 57
ODDS ANALYSIS
Given Indiana’s recent slump, bettors have jumped on the odds in support of Michigan and the spread has grown to 12.5-points. At the same time, the total is now up a half point to 57.5.
The over is still a good bet. In Indiana’s last 28 home games, the over has paid out 20 times while the over is also undefeated in the Wolverine’s last four games.
Over the last 40 road games, Michigan is just 12-27-1 ATS. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers are in the midst of a losing streak, but they are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 home games against teams—like the Wolverines—with winning road records.
KEY MISMATCH
Defensively, the Wolverines rank first in points allowed this season, giving up just 11.9 PPG to the opposition. The team’s also second with just 240 yards per game allowed.
For Michigan, much of those impressive numbers came from a stretch of three straight shutouts and five games in a row allowing seven or fewer points.
Indiana’s offense is pretty good. It’s got a talented quarterback in Nate Sudfeld and a number of quality targets. The key, however, is Jordan Howard. The running back has 961 yards and averages 6.1 yards per carry, but at times, the team’s struggled to establish the run game early. He had 174 yards against Iowa, but before that, his last triple digit game occurred back in September.
Another mismatch is the Michigan passing attack against a Hoosiers’ team ranked near the bottom of the sport in pass defense.
Senior quarterback Jack Rudock hasn’t had the best season and isn’t an elite quarterback, but he can put up numbers if given a chance. Against Rutgers he threw for 337 yards and two touchdowns, completing 72% of his passes.
KEY STAT
.218 – The Wolverines rank second in the nation in third down conversion percentage on defense with the opposition converting on just 21.8% of opportunities. By comparison, the Hoosiers are much lower on the spectrum, allowing 45.2% third down conversion rate.
BETTING ANGLE
Michigan’s eyes are on the prize and that price is the final game of the season against rival Ohio State.
The Wolverines are having a very good season after missing out on a Bowl game last year. They’re in position for a nice Bowl this year, but will need to avoid overlooking their next two games, including this game against Indiana on Saturday.
A season ago, the Wolverines beat the Hoosiers 34-10. Running back Drake Johnson and wide receiver Amara Darboh each had nice outings in that win. They combined for 229 total yards and three touchdowns. Both are now seniors.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Michigan’s elite defense is the difference maker in this game, but their offense has come to life of late, too.
Outside of Rudock, the Wolverines have a bunch of quality playmakers on offense, particularly on the ground. Six different players have rushed for at least 114 yards with nine different runners having reached the end zone.
Add in the Hoosier’s abysmal pass rush and secondary along with their recent hiccups offensively, and it’s hard to imagine the Hoosiers managing to keep this game close.
Michigan 30, Indiana 13
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers will take place Saturday, November 14, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium. You can watch the game live on ESPN2.
