Grading Indiana football 52-7 loss Michigan passing marks

Former Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle had more success at Michigan Stadium than the current quarterbacks in a 52-7 loss to the Wolverines.

Indiana football's former quarterbacks had a better outing at Michigan Stadium than their current ones. The Hoosiers witnessed former quarterback Jack Tuttle effectively manage the clock, completing a couple of passes while leading a scoring drive. Unfortunately, this was the only highlight in a disappointing 52-7 loss to the Wolverines.

Let's dive into the performance and assess the different aspects of the game.

Starting with the offense, there were glimpses of improvement in the play calling under new offensive coordinator Rod Carey. Compared to Walt Belt's tenure, Carey provided the quarterbacks with quicker reads on short routes, resulting in consistent gains on early downs. This strategy helped the Hoosiers advance past midfield on three of their first four drives. However, this positive momentum didn't last, and the quarterback rotation only added to the team's struggles. It was almost comical when Tayven Jackson entered the game after sitting out for almost two quarters, only to throw three consecutive passes and fumble on a third-and-long play. Michigan capitalized on this opportunity, knowing they could pressure Jackson after his extended absence from the game.

Moving on to the defense, Indiana's Lanell Carr made an impact early on with two sacks in the first quarter. The Hoosiers managed to prevent Michigan from earning a first down until 14 minutes into the game, which was undoubtedly a promising stretch of play for the defense. However, this resilience was short-lived, as Michigan's J.J. McCarthy improvised his way to success, leading the Wolverines to score 38 unanswered points. McCarthy's ability to find positive gains even when plays broke down highlighted the talent gap that Indiana faced against the rest of the Big Ten. While the defense showed some improvement, it's clear that the upgrades made in the transfer portal were not enough to bridge this gap.

Special teams proved to be a major weakness for the Hoosiers, with repeated mistakes plaguing their performance. Indiana allowed a long punt return, Jaylin Lucas accidentally kneeled on a kick return inside their own 15-yard line, and James Evan had a poor punt. These errors reflect a team in disarray, struggling to find stability in this crucial aspect of the game.

Overall, Indiana's loss to Michigan was a disappointing affair. Former quarterbacks showcased their skills on the opposing team, while the current quarterbacks struggled to find success. The offense showed flashes of improvement but lacked consistency, and the defense faced challenges in containing Michigan's improvisational plays. Special teams continued to be a source of concern, with mistakes hindering the team's progress. As the season progresses, Indiana will need to address these issues and make significant improvements to compete in the Big Ten.

Michael Niziolek, the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times, provides comprehensive coverage of the team. You can follow him on Twitter @michaelniziolek for more updates.