Five Burning Questions Surrounding Indiana Ahead of Its Showdown With Michigan

Indiana is no longer undefeated, but the Hoosiers have done nothing to suggest they aren't one of the best teams in the country. After suffering a heartbreaking 19-15 loss to Ohio State last weekend, Curt Cignetti's squad enters its matchup against Michigan at 6-1 with an opportunity to get right back on track. The Wolverines are coming off a dramatic 21-18 victory over Penn State that featured a quarterback change, and they'll host with renewed confidence. Indiana has been outstanding on both sides of the football throughout the season, but several intriguing matchups could determine how Saturday plays out. Here are five burning questions surrounding the Hoosiers heading into their showdown with Michigan.

Indiana has established itself as one of the more balanced offensive teams in the Big Ten, and its rushing attack has been a major reason why. Lee Beebe Jr. has already demonstrated his ability to carry the offense, including a 203-yard performance against Northwestern, while Turbo Richard provides another explosive option in the backfield. Richard is currently No. 3 in the Big Ten in rushing yards, while Beebe isn't far behind at No. 6. Michigan's defense presents a different challenge, however, with Jay Hill's unit possessing the size, athleticism and physicality to make running the football difficult. Indiana doesn't necessarily need another 200-yard performance from Beebe or Richard, but it absolutely needs to establish some consistency on the ground. If Beebe and Richard can keep the Wolverines honest, it will create opportunities for Josh Hoover and Indiana's talented receivers to make plays downfield.

One of the most impressive aspects of Josh Hoover's recent play has been his ability to protect the football. He currently has 18 touchdown passes without a single interception. Indiana's quarterback has avoided turning the ball over during his current run, and maintaining that discipline will be extremely important against Michigan. Jay Hill's defense has the personnel to disguise coverages, generate pressure and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Hoover has generally demonstrated excellent command of Cignetti's offense, but he'll need to remain patient rather than forcing throws into tight windows. The Hoosiers have enough offensive talent that they don't need their quarterback to take unnecessary chances. If Hoover continues making smart decisions, distributing the football and avoiding costly mistakes, Indiana should be in an excellent position to control the game.

Indiana has one of the more dangerous receiving combinations in the Big Ten, and both Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh are capable of creating serious problems for opposing defenses. Marsh has already delivered several spectacular performances this season, including his six-catch, 187-yard, two-touchdown outing against Nebraska. He was also involved in the most heartbreaking moment of Indiana's loss to Ohio State, catching what could have been the game-winning touchdown before stepping out of bounds. Couple that with the fact that he's from Detroit, and he'll undoubtedly be motivated to respond. Becker gives Hoover another talented target capable of stretching the field and moving the chains. Becker is a legitimate deep threat with eight receinging touchdowns on the year already. Michigan's experienced secondary will make things challenging, but Indiana only needs a handful of explosive plays to completely change the complexion of the game.

This might be Indiana's biggest opportunity to take control of Saturday's matchup. Michigan is expected to start true freshman Tommy Carr after he replaced Bryce Underwood at halftime against Penn State and helped lead the Wolverines to a comeback victory. Carr certainly provided a spark, but making his first career start against Indiana's defense is an entirely different challenge. The Hoosiers have been outstanding against the run, ranking No. 4 nationally, and their defensive front has the ability to put tremendous pressure on inexperienced quarterbacks. Mario Landino, Tyrique Tucker, Tobi Osunsanmi and Stephen Daley will all be looking to make Carr uncomfortable, while linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones can create additional problems. If Indiana can force Michigan into obvious passing situations, opportunities for interceptions and strip sacks should follow. Michigan has struggled to win the turnover battle all season long and against this Hoosiers defense, losing that battle will be lethal. Two or three takeaways could make this a very difficult game for the Wolverines to win.

For the first time this season, Indiana is dealing with the disappointment of a loss. The 19-15 defeat against Ohio State was particularly painful because the Hoosiers had an opportunity to win the game in the closing moments. However, one loss doesn't erase everything Cignetti's team accomplished during its 6-0 start. Indiana has demonstrated toughness, discipline and the ability to win close games, particularly during its road victory over Nebraska. Now comes a different kind of test. Can the Hoosiers put the Ohio State disappointment behind them and immediately return to playing their brand of football? Cignetti has built his program around accountability and consistency, and Saturday provides an opportunity to demonstrate both. A convincing performance against Michigan would send a strong message that Indiana remains a legitimate contender despite last weekend's setback.