In a highly anticipated ranked Big Ten matchup, the 13th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers were able to beat the 23rd-ranked Michigan Wolverines 38-21 in a dominant fashion.
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The game was not close early, as the Hoosiers jumped out to a 24-7 lead at halftime. Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had an outstanding first-half performance of just over 250 yards and three passing touchdowns. Penix finished the day with 342 passing yards and three passing scores. Hoosier receiver Ty Fryfogle was on the receiving end of the outstanding first half from Penix and had 142 receiving yards and a touchdown in the game.
The first-half performance by the Hoosiers was dominant, and prevented Michigan, or quarterback Joe Milton, from getting any momentum other than the first-quarter touchdown pass to Cornelius Johnson. The Wolverines struggled to contain the offense of Indiana in the first half and were burned multiple times deep.
Michigan seemed like a new team coming out of halftime, led by a phenomenal second-half effort from receiver Ronnie Bell. The big plays from Bell and Milton brought the game within ten midway through the third quarter. Bell finished the game with 149 yards and a receiving touchdown, while Joe Milton had 344 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two costly interceptions.
The effort from Michigan proved not enough, as two rushing touchdowns from Hoosier running back Stevie Scott III in the second half and a late Joe Milton interception were able to cement Indiana’s victory over the Wolverines.
Wisconsin is scheduled to play the Wolverines next weekend on Nov. 14 at the ‘Big House’, and will play the Hoosiers at home on Dec. 5. If Indiana can keep putting together wins against talented teams, they could be a real threat to Ohio State in the Big Ten East.