Michigan has fallen far short of its 2024 preseason goals, and the Wolverines now find themselves in a position to play spoiler for other programs looking for a Big Ten championship.

Michigan (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) failed to beat No. 1 Oregon in a 38-17 loss at the Big House last weekend, but the Wolverines will get another chance Saturday to cap off an undefeated season to close against No. 8 Indiana (9-0, 6-0).

This season was a role reversal for the two original members of the Big Ten. The Hoosiers are seeking their first conference championship since 1967, while the Wolverines are simply looking for their sixth win and bowl eligibility. Michigan has dominated this all-time series, with a 62-10 record against Indiana. However, the Wolverines are a 14.5-point underdog to the Hoosiers this week.

Below, Michigan Wolverines on SI editor Chris Breiler, senior writer Trent Knoop and contributing writer Matt Lounsberry share their thoughts on the game with Two bold predictions, Game examplesAnd Final score predictions.

1. Donovan Edwards will have his first 100-yard rushing game of the season

Indiana has the best rushing defense in the country, allowing just 72.6 yards per game. But we all know Michigan won’t get the win, which means the Wolverines will have to find a way to make it happen on the ground. Week after week, we continue to wait for Donovan Edwards to have his breakout moment(s) in a big game… and I think it’s happening this weekend in Bloomington.

2. Davis Warren avoids any turnovers

After winning the starting job to open the season, Warren was benched in Week 3 after throwing his sixth interception. He has since worked his way back into a starting role and has looked solid over the last two weeks. Most importantly, he has avoided turning the ball over. I think he will continue that trend this weekend against the Hoosiers.

1. Michigan sustains its first drive and scores a touchdown

It’s wild, this is a bold approach, but that’s where we are now. The Wolverines have trouble sustaining their drives, and when they do, they tend to get in their own way. But it should be a point of focus as we go into a high-octane offense in Indiana this week. The Wolverines need touchdowns and getting off to a good start would be ideal for Michigan.

2. Kalel Mullings rushes for 100 yards

Mullings racked up over 100 yards on the ground in three straight games earlier this season, but he has been an afterthought since then. Over the past two games, Mullings has run for 18 and 16 yards, respectively. If Michigan has any chance against Indiana at all, the Wolverines need to sustain long drives and get their run game working again. It starts with Mullings and he will need a big game in Bloomington.

1. Michigan records three sacks

Indiana has allowed just seven sacks all season, but Michigan brings the best defensive front the Hoosiers will have seen this year. Between Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart, the Wolverines will have to go after Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke to have a shot at this.

2. Colston Loveland eclipses 75 receiving yards

The Michigan tight end has been the only consistent thing about this offense, and he had a big performance against Oregon last week with 112 receiving yards. Loveland is the first man on the opposing team’s scouting report when planning the Wolverines’ offense, and yet he still manages to get open and make an impact. Loveland has only surpassed 75 yards three times this season, but I’m calling on him to have another big day in Bloomington.

I continue to believe that the Wolverines will find a way to put together a complete showing in 2024, although the chances to do so are running out with only three games left on the schedule. But Michigan carries a history of dominance into this matchup, having lost just two games to the Hoosiers since 1987. Despite Indiana’s Top 10 ranking, I don’t think Michigan feels intimidated in any way heading into this road matchup. In fact, this might be the most confident you’ll see the Wolverines all season. Indiana puts up a good fight, but the Wolverines pull off the upset.

Score prediction: Michigan 24, Indiana 20

I know it’s hard to process, but Indiana – yes Indiana – has a very good football team. The Hoosiers have only trailed once this season, and that was against Michigan State last weekend – ultimately beating the Spartans. Curt Cignetti has a chip on his shoulder and it has trickled down to his team. I fully believe Michigan has more talent than Indiana, but the Wolverines aren’t playing good enough football to upset the undefeated Hoosiers. Even when Michigan has something going on, it runs its own path, as the Wolverines did twice last weekend.

Score prediction: Indiana 38, Michigan 17

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has done a remarkable job in his first season in Bloomington. He came overflowing with bravado, was ridiculed for it and supported this on the field with his team. This is one of the games Cignetti has circled since the start of the season, and this Michigan team is 0-2 in true road games this season. The Hoosiers haven’t just cruised by en route to a 9-0 start this season, they’ve also beaten teams soundly. An upset isn’t out of the question, but the Wolverines haven’t shown me much to inspire confidence that they can pull it off.

Score prediction: Indiana 37, Michigan 20

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