Michigan Racks Up 52 Unanswered Points in Lopsided Win Over Indiana

Saturday, October 14

Ann Arbor, Mich.

Noon

Michigan

7-0 , 4-0

Indiana

2-4 , 0-3

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Indiana

Michigan

Blake Corum (Michigan Photography)

Michigan Racks Up 52 Unanswered Points in Lopsided Win Over Indiana

10/14/2023 3:48:00 PM | Football

Box Score Highlights Notes Participation In the Trenches: Indiana Recap PDF Boxscore Photo Gallery

By: Dave Ablauf, Chad Shepard

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)
Score: #2 Michigan 52, Indiana 7
Records: U-M (7-0, 4-0 B1G), Indiana (2-4, 0-3 B1G)
Attendance: 110,264
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Oct. 21 -- at Michigan State (East Lansing, Mich.), 7:30 p.m. (TV: NBC/Peacock)

Postgame Press Conferences: Coach Harbaugh | Players

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 2-ranked University of Michigan football team endured rainy conditions and held Indiana scoreless over the final 47 minutes of the game in its 52-7 conference win on Saturday (Oct. 14) at Michigan Stadium.

The Wolverines defense allowed a mere 91 yards through the last three quarters of the game and forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) in the win. Michigan has yet to allow more than ten points in a game this season.

On offense, the Maize and Blue eclipsed the 400-yard mark with 244 yards through the air and 163 on the ground. After failing to post points in its first two drives, the Michigan offense scored on its final eight drives of the game, scoring 52 unanswered points to close the game. Six different Wolverines found the end zone in the effort, with running back Blake Corum leading the charge with two rushing touchdowns. Corum also contributed 52 yards on 13 carries in the effort.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy proved efficient yet again, completing 14 of 17 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He has completed at least 70 percent of his passes in six of the Wolverines' seven games this season. Important in McCarthy's big day was tight end Colston Loveland, who recorded a career-high 80 yards on three receptions, including a third-quarter touchdown.

Following a pair of Indiana and Michigan punts to begin the game, the Hoosiers offense found its stride early with a steady dose of passing into the red zone. Indiana failed to record points as the Michigan defense came up with a turnover. On the 12th play of the drive, defensive back Rod Moore recorded his first interception of the season, resulting from a tipped pass by Mike Sainristil, and returned the ball 38 yards.

On offense, the Wolverines were slow to start over the first 15 minutes of the game, totaling only 17 yards and one first down in the first quarter, while being sacked three times. Corum passed a historic mark during the quarter, though, with a 12-yard carry pushing him over the 3,000-yard threshold on the ground for his career.

The second quarter proved different for the Maize and Blue, recording three touchdowns and 170 yards of offense, to hold a 21-7 lead at the break. The strong offensive performance was sandwiched between a pair of Corum one-yard rushing scores with 11 minutes and 11 seconds remaining, respectively, in the quarter.

The other Wolverines score came on a fourth-down, two-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to wide receiver Roman Wilson -- their ninth such connection of the season. Wide receiver and return specialist Tyler Morris was vital to the Wolverines' improved second quarter, accounting for 37 receiving yards and recording an important 27-yard punt return into Hoosier territory with less than two minutes remaining, leading to Corum's second score.

Michigan retained its momentum in the second half with a 54-yard passing touchdown from McCarthy to Loveland, the longest reception of the latter's career. McCarthy showcased his legs on the next possession with a 22-yard scamper to set up a touchdown connection with wide receiver Semaj Morgan, whose footwork was on display on the seven-yard score.

Michigan forced Indiana turnovers, and scored as a result, on its next three defensive stands. The first was a fumble forced and recovered by linebacker Michael Barrett, setting up kicker James Turner with a 28-yard field goal.

The second was another fumble forced by edge rusher Jaylen Harrell and recovered by defensive tackle Mason Graham, the first turnover of the latter's career. This led to a seven-yard rushing score by running back Donovan Edwards.

The third turnover came on an interception by defensive back Keon Sabb, his second such play in two consecutive weeks. This resulted in the Wolverines' final score of the game -- a four-yard passing connection between backup quarterback Jack Tuttle (the first of his Michigan career) and freshman wideout Karmello English (on the first catch of his career).

Michigan returns to the road for a rivalry game next Saturday (Oct. 21) at Michigan State. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC and Peacock.