Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog

Higdon to the Rescue: 2017 Michigan vs. Indiana Game Recap and Highlights

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

After a tough loss to Michigan State last week, just about everyone expected Michigan to come out and handle an always tricky Indiana team. However, the Bloomington scares continued as the Wolverines ended up blowing a two score lead late and needing overtime to knock off the Hoosiers, 27-20, to move to 5-1 on the 2017 season.

The biggest question mark coming into the game was what John O’Korn and the Michigan offense will be able to do. And the questions are still out there after another extremely frustrating performance. Though one thing is for sure: Karan Higdon is the feature back .

Higdon was a guy I expected to break out this season and, though it’s taken a little bit of time, he’s shown his dynamic running ability and separated himself from the field when the team needed it most. Ripping off 200 yards on 25 carries and getting into the end zone twice, including a huge TD run on the first play of overtime. It was a performance that shouldn’t be overlooked as I fully believe he’s Michigan’s best chance to have a decent offensive attack.

Besides Higdon and a decent offensive line, the offense was ugly. Whether it was missed opportunities or penalties, the offense wasn’t doing anything. O’Korn finished 10-20 for 58 yards with Donovan Peoples-Jones accounting for 34 of those yards on four receptions.The amount of questions surrounding OKorn and the play calling are staggering.

As for the defense, Don Brown’s boys continued to be impressive even though they spent a lot of time on the field thanks to the inept offense. Though there were a ton penalties and the first points given up in the fourth quarter, two big interceptions and big showings from Rashan Gary and Maurice Hurst was the difference. The two big defensive lineman made several big plays including a Hurst field goal block that ended up being the difference at the final whistle.

Standouts

  • RB Karan Higdon
    • The only offensive weapon at this point, Higdon’s big day is the main reason Michigan didn’t have back-to-back upsets for the first time under Jim Harbaugh. It’ll be a head scratcher if he doesn’t continue to see the majority of touches on offense moving forward.
  • DT Maurice Hurst
    • The best defensive tackle in college football and future top 10 NFL draft pick showed once again that he’s the best defensive tackle in college football and a future top 10 NFL draft pick. His first step quickness and ability to read offenses makes him a problem on every down. Add in a field goal block and he’s a one-man wrecking crew.
  • DE Rashan Gary 
    • While Gary may not have the ridiculous stats that some would like, he continues to be a dominant force off the edge for this defense. He made several plays in both the passing game and the running game as, dare I say, his motor may be even higher than Chase Winovich’s.
  • Other Options:
    • CB Lavert Hill
    • K Quinn Nordin
    • CB David Long

Check out the highlights and the post game interviews from the 2017 Michigan vs. Indiana game:

What was your biggest takeaway from Michigan’s 27-20 win over Indiana? Is Higdon the go-to guy on offense? Is it time to get Peters some reps? How confident are you in the offense’s ability to score on Penn State next week? Let us know in the comment section below! 

Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw
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