A week after Indiana’s impressive 22-game winning streak came to an end, they demonstrated resilience by securing a 13-6 overtime triumph over Michigan at the Big House, emphasizing that even unattractive victories are valid.
Despite Indiana not scoring in the second half, Michigan managed several promising drives that could have shifted the momentum in their favor. Nonetheless, the Hoosiers’ defense compelled the Wolverines to settle for two field goals, including one as the game clock wound down to zero. Michigan kicker Trey Butkowski, who had previously missed two field goals during the game, successfully made a 26-yard attempt, which ultimately extended the contest into overtime.
After a lackluster showing from Indiana’s offense throughout regulation, Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover quickly found success as overtime commenced: Hoover connected on a 21-yard pass to Brock Schott, setting himself up for a rushing touchdown on the very next play.
This left Michigan needing to score a touchdown to prolong the game—something their offense had struggled to achieve all afternoon. In his first starting appearance, true freshman quarterback Tommy Carr, replacing the benched Bryce Underwood, executed a pivotal fourth-down conversion that extended the drive, but he could not secure a completion on the subsequent series of downs.
The final incompletion sealed the overtime victory for the Hoosiers, improving their season record to 7-1.
Error-prone performances from Tommy Carr, Josh Hoover
Both defenses were resilient, resulting in a low-scoring battle that maintained suspense until deep into the fourth quarter. At one juncture, the two defenses orchestrated four straight three-and-out series, creating a sense that even the smallest completed pass could dramatically alter the outcome.
The match was rife with offensive blunders, totaling two interceptions, three missed field goals, and 12 combined punts from both teams. Michigan managed 224 offensive yards, while Indiana accumulated 212, with both teams converting about 30% of their third-down opportunities.
Carr faced challenges in his inaugural start, fumbling once, enduring four sacks, and throwing a difficult interception. However, despite the setbacks, the true freshman displayed glimpses of potential, completing 20 of 32 passes for 167 yards, albeit without any touchdowns.
Nonetheless, Carr and the Wolverines appeared to consistently impede their own progress, particularly with missed opportunities in the latter half. Coming out of halftime with renewed energy, Carr led a 14-play drive that should have concluded in a touchdown; however, Michigan settled for a field goal after failing to make the necessary yardage, resulting in Butkowski’s second missed attempt of the game. Shortly thereafter, they had another opportunity when Zeke Berry intercepted Hoover’s pass, yet they still could not capitalize and reach the end zone.
On the other hand, Hoover endured perhaps his most disappointing game of the season and potentially his college career, completing just 8 of 18 passes for 81 yards, while throwing his first interception of the season to Berry. He was unable to complete any passes in the entire second half leading up to overtime.
In a post-game broadcast, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged that Hoover “wasn’t 100% today,” but expressed satisfaction with the win, despite its lack of aesthetic appeal.
“We found a way. Not pretty, but it’s a win,” Cignetti remarked. “It was gritty as hell. It’s a win, and we’re gonna celebrate it.”
