Michigan (5-4, 3-3 in Big Ten) is set to face off against No. 8 Indiana (9-0, 6-0, ranked No. 8 by CFP) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST, with the game televised on CBS.
BetMGM’s college football odds highlight Indiana as the favorite, listed at 14.5 points.
The historical series record shows Michigan leading significantly with 62 wins to Indiana’s 10.

There is plenty on the line for both teams in this matchup. The Wolverines, who are the defending national champions, have recently faced challenges due to their inability to score consistently.
However, they do bring a formidable defense to the game, which could create complications for Indiana.
Michigan is looking to maintain their historical dominance in this rivalry while also aiming to derail Indiana’s aspirations for a Big Ten title and a potential playoff spot.
The current landscape is unusual, with Indiana ranked in the top 10 while Michigan remains unranked.

One of the key battles to watch is between Indiana’s running attack and Michigan’s run defense.
The Hoosiers currently average an impressive 46.6 points per game, placing them second in the FBS standings.
This scoring feat is bolstered by a versatile offense, where quarterback Kurtis Rourke has entered the Heisman Trophy discussion.
Indiana averages 191.9 rushing yards per game, but Michigan is known for its strong defensive line that allows just 109.3 yards on the ground.
The question looms: can Michigan contain Indiana’s rushing effectiveness?

For Michigan, tight end Colston Loveland is a player to keep an eye on.
Amidst changing quarterbacks this season, Loveland has emerged as the go-to target, leading the team with 48 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdowns.
He has consistently been the top receiving option in all eight games thus far.
On the other side, Indiana’s wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is also a standout.
Although much attention has been placed on Rourke and running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, Sarratt’s performance shouldn’t be overlooked.
With 37 catches for 649 yards, averaging 17.5 yards per reception, and five scores, his contributions are vital for Indiana’s offensive success.

Looking at some notable statistics, Michigan has dominated the series in recent years, winning 27 of the last 28 encounters.
The only defeat since 1988 came against Indiana during the shortened 2020 season influenced by the pandemic.
As Indiana seeks its first-ever 10-win season and aims to remain at the top of the Big Ten standings before entering their second bye week, every game becomes crucial.
Additionally, Michigan’s Donovan Edwards is just 32 receiving yards away from breaking Anthony Thomas’ school record for rushing backs, which stands at 810 yards.
Furthermore, Rourke had an impressive return, throwing four touchdown passes during a 47-10 victory against Michigan State after recovering from thumb surgery.
Finally, Indiana defensive end Mikail Kamara has shown his prowess, recording at least one sack in the last five games, leading all Power 4 players with 9.5 sacks this season.