Final Score: #13 Michigan 39, Indiana 14

Brief Recap: Michigan and Indiana were tied at 14 midway through the second quarter. From that point on, the Wolverines went on a 25-0 run to finish the game. Michigan’s talent proved to be too much as quarterback Shea Patterson delivered beautiful ball after beautiful ball to help dissect Indiana’s defense.

Key Moment: With 5:10 left in the third quarter, Michigan led 24-14. A 76-yard connection between Patterson and wide receiver Nico Collins broke the game open and helped end the Hoosiers’ hopes at an upset. The game still wasn’t technically over, but from that point of a tied game at 14, Michigan showed it was the more dominant side.

Key Stat: Speaking of Collins, he caught six passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns. The yardage and touchdowns were career-highs. But, it wasn’t just Collins. Look at Patterson, too. He threw for 366 yards and five touchdowns — which matched a career high that he set back during his time at Ole Miss.

Key Player: Patterson gets the nod here. Michigan’s play-making WRs showed up in a major way. Collins could have easily won this award against the Hoosiers, but Patterson looked great outside of one late interception. If he plays this way, he’ll give the Wolverines a chance against Ohio State next week.

What it means for Michigan: What I just mentioned is what means most: the game against Ohio State. Michigan has now won four straight and is 9-2 overall with two losses in Big Ten play. What does it all mean? Well, it can win 11 games. But, it can’t win the B1G East — even with a win over Ohio State. Regardless, defeating the Buckeyes and ruining their chance at going perfect would be a perfect way to close out the regular season.
What it means for Indiana: Indiana has still had a heck of a season. The Hoosiers are 7-4 and 4-4 in Big Ten play. It would be a sour way to end the season if the team lost at Purdue next week, but, Indiana should be favored. That game won’t necessarily mean a ton, as the Hoosiers will be going bowling this postseason. But, beating a rival and avoiding a three-game loss to end the regular season will be at stake.