Ad Disclosure
Michigan o-lineman says Indiana is “a lot better than what the record shows”
Published:
It’s no secret Indiana has disappointed this season. The Hoosiers rode with the punches, uncertainty and adversity throughout 2020 to a 6-2 record, punctuated by wins over ranked Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin teams. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. burst onto the scene to lead the conference in passing yards per game and lead the Hoosiers to their best season in decades.
But injuries to Penix and other key players and inconsistency on defense have made 2021 more of a grind. The Hoosiers are 2-6 this season (0-5 in Big Ten play) with losses to five teams who were ranked at the time of the game.
Still, on the heels of four straight losses, three of which were against then-top-10 opponents, Indiana appears to have plenty of respect from its peers.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Michigan offensive lineman said the Hoosiers will present a challenge, according to MLive’s Ryan Zuke.
“I think they’re a lot better team than what the record shows,” said sophomore offensive lineman Zak Zinter. “They’re gonna come in here hungry (and) ready to go, and we’re gonna have the answer.”
Michigan (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) has its own reasons to keep motivated. Despite a blown lead and 37-33 loss to Michigan State last Saturday, the Wolverines still have a chance to play for a Big Ten title this season and possibly more. Michigan opened at No. 7 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings revealed Tuesday night, but another loss would all but assure the Wolverines would be out of contention for one of the 4 spots.
Added Michigan safeties coach Ron Bellamy on Wednesday, per Zuke: “They play hard. Coach (Tom) Allen’s a phenomenal coach. They’ve played some formidable opponents and they’ve held their own. They’re dealing with a rash of injuries, but this is a very competitive, good football team.”
The Hoosiers and Wolverines will face off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.