Michigan football: Win over Indiana shows Wolverines’ character and resolve

Michigan’s shot for a breakthrough season has been resurrected. Thank you, Purdue.

These final 3 weeks of the regular season are going to matter a lot more for the Wolverines than it appeared they would just a few days ago.

The Boilermakers’ stomping of CFP No. 3 Michigan State puts the Wolverines (8-1, 5-1) all but in the driver’s seat for Jim Harbaugh’s first Big Ten championship — and the Playoff berth that very likely would go with it.

Technically, Ohio State (8-1, 6-0) and Michigan State (8-1, 5-1) still hold the inside track to the B1G East title and the trip to Indianapolis to meet the West champ on Dec. 4.

But Michigan, coming off its workmanlike 29-7 victory over Indiana, looks much more likely to end Ohio State’s 4-year run as league champs than the Spartans. That’s because MSU still has to play the Buckeyes and Penn State, a couple of prolific passing teams likely to tear up the Spartans’ worst-in-the-nation pass defense. The Wolverines also have both those teams on the schedule, starting with a trip to Penn State for a noon ET kickoff Saturday. Michigan sports the No. 9 pass defense in the country, limiting opponents to 173.4 yards per game — 153.3 less than the Spartans do.

So yes, we’re saying Michigan has a shot. Maybe even a pretty good shot.

Even after its 37-33 loss to Michigan State, the Wolverines were placed on the cusp of a College Football Playoff spot, coming in a No. 7 in the initial CFP committee rankings a week ago. Well, after a 29-7 win over Indiana, UM is in the mix more than ever.

If they can run the table, taking out Ohio State to close the regular season, the Wolverines likely will reach Indianapolis, claim the B1G title there, and make college football’s final 4 for the first time. That’s a bunch of “ifs,” of course. … One game at a time, of course. … But Ohio State doesn’t seem so invincible after struggling to put away Nebraska, 26-17, in Lincoln a week after beating Penn State by only 9.

The Wolverines actually may have a legitimate shot at taking down the Buckeyes this year. Both teams’ seasons likely will boil down to the final Saturday in November. A major blowout for either team seems to be out of the question. This one might do down to the wire, just like the MSU game did for Michigan.

Bad teams don’t push the No. 8 team to its limits. Michigan was ranked No. 6 then and remains in the top 10 now for a reason.

One week ago, following the loss, UM was sliding backward, or so some suggested. Well, they were misinformed. Michigan has been one of the steadiest teams in college football, and one game wasn’t going to make or break the year. Rebounding with a decisive win over Indiana was expected. Stumbling against the Hoosiers wasn’t an option.

Seven points allowed.

Only 185 total yards surrendered to the Hoosiers.

Aidan Hutchinson had 4 QB hurries. The DE continues to prove that he’s one of the best players in the game. David Ojabo, LB, had a sack, bringing his season total to 8 QB takedowns. Christopher Hinton, DL, also had a sack. UM has an outstanding D-line and its secondary — once perceived as a weakness — has made significant strides.

A reliable running game and excellence from their QB … the Wolverines absolutely have the makings of Big Ten champs. UM checks just about every box, in regard to a contender checklist.

This past Saturday, the Wolverines reminded everyone that, despite the loss to MSU, they are very much a serious player in the Big Ten. At some point, all good teams stub their toe. Michigan’s incident happened vs. the Spartans. Some bad calls and a few key plays were the deciders, ultimately, for Michigan, which led 30-14 in the 3rd quarter.

In reality, only 5 points separate UM from being unbeaten and the favorite to win the Big Ten — so let’s not act like the Wolverines are incapable of making a true run. It’s been easy to brush aside Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines late in the season in recent years. As soon as they lose, people want to dismiss them from the conversation.

There’d be an entirely different narrative if UM had beaten MSU. There would be comparisons to the 1997 co-national champion team. There would be debates about this team’s position in program history.

Five points.

The Wolverines are 8-1 and have a few good wins on their resume. All wins are good wins, but beating Nebraska and Wisconsin are 2 of their best victories this year. Despite some struggles, the Badgers and Huskers aren’t doormats. Those were good wins for Michigan.

It’s funny how things can change in just a few days. UM is all of the sudden back on the radar.

Some say that UM should change up things, you know, if it wants to really compete with top teams.

But why?

Michigan doesn’t need to alter its formula; it’s worked well through 9 games. From unranked to top-10 status, the Wolverines have already exceeded preseason expectations and have a shot at finishing 11-1.

The Wolverines did what they were supposed to do Saturday. Good teams do that. They were a good team before losing to MSU, but Saturday’s rebound vs. the Hoosiers was a true sign of UM’s resolve and character as a team.

Adam Biggers

Adam Biggers brings his expertise on the Michigan beat to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.