Great news for me and those who derive value from my efforts. I was promoted to writing more articles and so we start today. Feel free to discuss. And correct inaccuracies, which, despite the increasing busyness of my semester at college combined with the higher load of articles and friends, I obviously strive to avoid. I hope this helps people out. BOL
Indiana A Live Dog vs Powerhouse Michigan
Indiana (3-2) hosts #17 Michigan (4-1) this Saturday at 12:00 PM ET. MIchigan opened as 6 point favorites, but strong public action has bet that number up to 7.
The key question that confronts Indiana is their decision to start freshman Peyton Ramsey at quarterback.
Ramsey deserves the starting position because of the spark that he has provided in coming off the bench. He led Indiana in their 34-17 victory over Virginia. He led Indiana to a couple scoring drives against Penn State, after the Hoosiers had fallen behind 28-0. Now, he threw 41 passes in his first start last week against Charleston Southern.
Indiana's Offensive Coordinator Mike DeBord will work better with Ramsey, who is reminiscent of the dual-threat quarterback that DeBord worked with at Tennessee. Ramsey is a dual-threat with capable accuracy and mobility. Ramsey's rushing skills will also improve an otherwise insufficient rushing attack.
When the opposing defense has to accord greater respect to Indiana's rush attack, the wide receivers can become more dangerous. Simmie Cobbs Jr, Ramsey's number 1 target, produced over 1,000 yards in his last healthy season (2015). He caught 11 passes for 149 yards this season against top-ranked Ohio State. He uses his size and arm length to catch balls within an extensive range. He uses his body well in order to be physical, but also boasts impressive speed.
Michigan has an elite passing and rushing defense. However, Indiana's passing attack will be adequate because their young offensive line has matured, improving from giving up 9 sacks in the first 2 games to averaging 1.7 sacks allowed in the last 3. A significant reason for this improvement is playing the elusive Ramsey at quarterback. Last week, against Michigan State's dual-threat quarterback, Michigan achieved zero sacks. Also, Michigan is not so elite at forcing interceptions. Ramsey is a smart decision-maker. His offensive efficiency will keep Indiana competitive
The key question facing Michigan is: will quarterback John O'Korn, in his second start this season, be able to spark Michigan's offense?
O'Korn lacks a proven record. He was abysmal against the Spartans' talented but youthful secondary. His previous start before that was actually against Indiana last season: he went 7 of 16 for 59 yards.
Despite the injury of Tarik Black, the Wolverines still possess talent and depth at wide receiver. However, this talent is raw. The dropped passes and lack of chemistry with the incapable O'Korn are worrisome.
Indiana will presumably pursue the same strategy that they did against Penn State: stack the box. Michigan's talent on offense lies with running backs Chris Evans, Ty Isaac and Karon Higdon. Evans is versatile with his combination of elusiveness in open space and ability to truck defenders. Isaac is a larger and stronger back who just bruises opponents. Despite his lack of size, Karon Higdon is a tough, physical back, who is adept at hitting holes with power and momentum.
Even before quarterback Wilton Speight got injured, Michigan had struggled to produce consistent drives. Indiana already boasts success in limiting offenses with a dominant rushing attack. Against Penn State, they held Saquon Barkley to 56 yards on 20 carries. Their performance against Penn State's offense is masked by offensive turnovers and poor special teams play.
Indiana has a very respectable run defense, ranked 38th in average yards per carry. Their ranking of 57th in sack percentage shows that they can create havoc on passing downs as well. Their defense is led in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks by Tegray Scales.
Scales is a versatile athlete who is helpful in pass coverage but also excels at blitzing and stuffing the run. He possesses superior physical tools in that with a quick burst he takes the right angle to the ball carrier. He is also intelligent in his ability to read opposing pass and run plays. Chris Covington, who is second in tackles and tackles for loss, is stepping up as Indiana's second best linebacker and has constructed a solid history against elite opponents.
Michigan's offensive line is ranked towards rock-bottom in sacks allowed and is struggling to offer adequate run protection. They lack the tools to contain an Indiana defensive line whose depth is underestimated and is aided by a solid linebacking corps.
The Verdict
Michigan's anemic offense cannot justify a cover, especially because of Indiana's proven ability to contain a high-quality rush attack. Michigan is regressing to its usual struggle in takeaways and is averaging less than 1 takeaway in their past 3 games. A smart and mobile Peyton Ramsey with skilled and well-sized receivers can keep the game competitive.
Michigan also tends to come out flat. Offensively, they are ranked 104th in first half scoring, compared to 30th in second half scoring. Defensively, they are 34th in points allowed in the first half, compared to first in points allowed in the second.
NCAAF Pick: Indiana 1H
Indiana A Live Dog vs Powerhouse Michigan
Indiana (3-2) hosts #17 Michigan (4-1) this Saturday at 12:00 PM ET. MIchigan opened as 6 point favorites, but strong public action has bet that number up to 7.
The key question that confronts Indiana is their decision to start freshman Peyton Ramsey at quarterback.
Ramsey deserves the starting position because of the spark that he has provided in coming off the bench. He led Indiana in their 34-17 victory over Virginia. He led Indiana to a couple scoring drives against Penn State, after the Hoosiers had fallen behind 28-0. Now, he threw 41 passes in his first start last week against Charleston Southern.
Indiana's Offensive Coordinator Mike DeBord will work better with Ramsey, who is reminiscent of the dual-threat quarterback that DeBord worked with at Tennessee. Ramsey is a dual-threat with capable accuracy and mobility. Ramsey's rushing skills will also improve an otherwise insufficient rushing attack.
When the opposing defense has to accord greater respect to Indiana's rush attack, the wide receivers can become more dangerous. Simmie Cobbs Jr, Ramsey's number 1 target, produced over 1,000 yards in his last healthy season (2015). He caught 11 passes for 149 yards this season against top-ranked Ohio State. He uses his size and arm length to catch balls within an extensive range. He uses his body well in order to be physical, but also boasts impressive speed.
Michigan has an elite passing and rushing defense. However, Indiana's passing attack will be adequate because their young offensive line has matured, improving from giving up 9 sacks in the first 2 games to averaging 1.7 sacks allowed in the last 3. A significant reason for this improvement is playing the elusive Ramsey at quarterback. Last week, against Michigan State's dual-threat quarterback, Michigan achieved zero sacks. Also, Michigan is not so elite at forcing interceptions. Ramsey is a smart decision-maker. His offensive efficiency will keep Indiana competitive
The key question facing Michigan is: will quarterback John O'Korn, in his second start this season, be able to spark Michigan's offense?
O'Korn lacks a proven record. He was abysmal against the Spartans' talented but youthful secondary. His previous start before that was actually against Indiana last season: he went 7 of 16 for 59 yards.
Despite the injury of Tarik Black, the Wolverines still possess talent and depth at wide receiver. However, this talent is raw. The dropped passes and lack of chemistry with the incapable O'Korn are worrisome.
Indiana will presumably pursue the same strategy that they did against Penn State: stack the box. Michigan's talent on offense lies with running backs Chris Evans, Ty Isaac and Karon Higdon. Evans is versatile with his combination of elusiveness in open space and ability to truck defenders. Isaac is a larger and stronger back who just bruises opponents. Despite his lack of size, Karon Higdon is a tough, physical back, who is adept at hitting holes with power and momentum.
Even before quarterback Wilton Speight got injured, Michigan had struggled to produce consistent drives. Indiana already boasts success in limiting offenses with a dominant rushing attack. Against Penn State, they held Saquon Barkley to 56 yards on 20 carries. Their performance against Penn State's offense is masked by offensive turnovers and poor special teams play.
Indiana has a very respectable run defense, ranked 38th in average yards per carry. Their ranking of 57th in sack percentage shows that they can create havoc on passing downs as well. Their defense is led in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks by Tegray Scales.
Scales is a versatile athlete who is helpful in pass coverage but also excels at blitzing and stuffing the run. He possesses superior physical tools in that with a quick burst he takes the right angle to the ball carrier. He is also intelligent in his ability to read opposing pass and run plays. Chris Covington, who is second in tackles and tackles for loss, is stepping up as Indiana's second best linebacker and has constructed a solid history against elite opponents.
Michigan's offensive line is ranked towards rock-bottom in sacks allowed and is struggling to offer adequate run protection. They lack the tools to contain an Indiana defensive line whose depth is underestimated and is aided by a solid linebacking corps.
The Verdict
Michigan's anemic offense cannot justify a cover, especially because of Indiana's proven ability to contain a high-quality rush attack. Michigan is regressing to its usual struggle in takeaways and is averaging less than 1 takeaway in their past 3 games. A smart and mobile Peyton Ramsey with skilled and well-sized receivers can keep the game competitive.
Michigan also tends to come out flat. Offensively, they are ranked 104th in first half scoring, compared to 30th in second half scoring. Defensively, they are 34th in points allowed in the first half, compared to first in points allowed in the second.
NCAAF Pick: Indiana 1H
