X-Factor: Indiana's Elite Run Defense Could Make Life Tough On Tommy Carr, Michigan

When Indiana takes on Michigan in Ann Arbor this weekend, the Hoosiers will be facing a team that has struggled on offense all year. The Hoosiers are outstanding in virtually every phase of the game, but their ability to stop the run could be the biggest factor in determining Saturday's outcome.

Indiana enters the matchup ranked No. 4 nationally in rushing defense, while Michigan sits at a disappointing No. 85 in rushing offense. That's an enormous mismatch on paper, and one that could completely derail the Wolverines' offensive game plan.

For Indiana, the formula is relatively simple: eliminate Michigan's running game and force true freshman quarterback Tommy Carr to beat one of the nation's best teams with his arm.

That's a tall order for a youngster making his first career start.

The Hoosiers have the personnel to make life miserable for Michigan's offensive line and running backs.

Defensive tackles Marion Landino and Tyrique Tucker provide a formidable presence in the middle, while edge defenders Tobi Osunsanmi and Stephen Daley give Indiana plenty of ability to disrupt plays off the edge.

Behind them, linebackers Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy help make the Hoosiers extremely difficult to run against. The linebacker duo lead Indiana in tackles with 52 and 49 tackles respectively.

Collectively, that group presents a massive challenge for Michigan running backs Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter, who have struggled to establish consistency throughout the season.

Michigan desperately needs those two to produce, but Carr's legs could be equally important. The freshman showed his ability to make plays against Penn State, and his mobility gives the Wolverines another dimension in the running game.

Designed quarterback runs, read-option looks and scrambling opportunities could help Michigan find some breathing room against Indiana's defense.

However, if the Hoosiers consistently win at the line of scrimmage, things could get ugly for the Wolverines.

Without a credible rushing attack, Michigan becomes one-dimensional. Indiana can focus on pressuring Carr, disguising coverages and forcing the freshman into difficult passing situations.

Carr certainly has talent, and his performance against Penn State provided reason for optimism, but asking him to carry the entire offense against Indiana is an entirely different challenge.

Indiana doesn't necessarily need to completely shut down Michigan's rushing attack, but it absolutely must limit the Wolverines' effectiveness on the ground and force Carr to beat the Hoosiers through the air.

If Landino, Tucker, Osunsanmi, Daley, Hardy and Jones significantly limit that threat, the Wolverines could find themselves asking far too much of their freshman quarterback.

That's why Indiana's rushing defense is the X-Factor in this matchup.