Michigan Wolverines at Indiana Hoosiers, Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 3:30 pm Eastern, TV: ESPNU
Opening Line: Michigan -15
Current Line: Michigan -10
Opening Total: 66
Current Total: 65
Money Line: Michigan -400 / Indiana +320
Odds taken from Bookmaker Sportsbook

These two teams open Big Ten play and are both undefeated heading into conference play. The line dropped from 15 to 10 due to some injury concerns for the Wolverines. Star quarterback Denard Robinson bruised his knee in the first quarter and did not return to the blowout win against Bowling Green, as the Wolverines had the game well in hand. Robinson has practiced all week and is expected to play against the Hoosiers. However, the Wolverines top two running backs, Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith are both listed as doubtful for the game. That is why the line dropped so much. Michigan has not had much success against the spread versus conference opponents recently, posting a 3-13 record in their last 16 conference games. The Wolverines are only 6-17 ATS in all games recently.

Where to start with Denard Robinson? He has been nothing short of spectacular this season, with 731 yards passing, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also leads the nation in rushing with 688 yards and 6 touchdowns on 79 carries. He is an early favorite for the Heisman. (though Terrelle Pryor fans might disagree with that statement.) If Shaw and Smith can’t go against Indiana the Wolverines will lean even more on Robinson to carry the load. When Robinson does throw the ball, his top targets are Darryl Stonum, Roy Roundtree, and Martavious Odoms are his top targets. All have at least 12 catches. Defensively the Wolverines have some questions, They are giving up 400 total yards a game along with 23 points a game. They have 5 sacks and  8 turnovers.

Indiana is 3-0 but with routs against Towson, Western Kentucky and Akron, we don’t know how good this team is. One thing is clear, the Hoosiers have struggled stopping the run against inferior opponents so far. They are giving up 177 yards a game on the ground. Robinson could that by halftime or maybe even the first quarter. If the Hoosiers don’t shore up the run defense it could be a long day. The Hoosiers expect this to be one of the largest home crowds of the season, as so many people want to see the electrifying Robinson play. The Hoosiers are better against the pass giving up only 160 yards a game. they don’t force many turnovers (4) or sacks (1). On offense, the Hoosiers are led by quarterback Ben Chappell who leads the Big Ten in passing with just under 300 yards a game. Chappell has 9 touchdowns so far this season and no interceptions.  The Hoosiers are not very effective running the ball, as they average just over 100 yards a game. Darius Willis is the teams leading rusher with 46 carries, 219 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Chappell spreads the ball around as 5 players have at least 8 catches. Tight end Ted Bolser has 4 touchdown catches.

We don’t really know what to expect from this Hoosier team as they haven’t been tested at all this season. The Hoosiers inability to stop the run worries me as they take on the high-powered Wolverrines. Aside from the very talented Robinson, who else will run the ball for the Wolverines id Smith and Shaw can’t go?  Those questions at running back are making this game closer than it would have been if the Wolverines were healthy.