The Michigan Wolverines got the job done in Week 7 against Penn State, and they’re home again in Week 8 in what is one of the toughest games on the regular season schedule for them. 

If Michigan wants to keep any hopes of being in the College Football Playoff this season, they’re going to have to defeat the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. Indiana is coming off a narrow loss to Ohio State, but they remain a top-10 team in the country and present a tough task for the Wolverines. 

Ahead of the game between Michigan and the Hoosiers, the college football staff here at A to Z Sports has some predictions on how this one will go. 

Indiana 28, Michigan 17

The Hoosiers played well enough to win against an Ohio State team that didn’t play well last week, but came up just short. Losing two in a row would be a tough stretch for Indiana, and I don’t think it will happen. Charlie Becker confirmed he is one of the best wideouts in the country last week and he’s going to present a big problem to Michigan’s defense with Nick Marsh on the other side. 

Michigan’s defense is a good unit, but so is Indiana’s, and I think it leads to the Wolverines having their defense on the field a ton. Michigan is still going to struggle to put up points with Tommy Carr at quarterback over Bryce Underwood, and it’s not going to be enough to beat Indiana. — Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Indiana 31, Michigan 20

I know there is a buzz growing in Ann Arbor after the move to Tommy Carr at quarterback, but I don’t see a world where Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers drop two in a row after winning 22 straight. The truth is, Ohio State is just a much better football team than Indiana, and the Buckeyes should have won by multiple scores. The same should be true with Indiana and Michigan. I know that Carr will bring optimism, but he hasn’t seen a defense like that of the Hoosiers. 

Not to mention, Josh Hoover and the offense will be looking for a bounce-back performance. I thought Hoover struggled for much of the game against OSU, and obviously everyone has seen Nick Marsh’s gaffe at the end. The Hoosiers will be out for vengeance on Saturday. — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama 

Indiana 27, Michigan 10

Indiana was three inches away from coming into this game as likely the No. 1 team in the country and with a ton of momentum and a likely bigger point spread. I don’t think three inches changes the fact that they’re the far better football team here.

Michigan is making a quarterback change, with Tommy Carr taking over for Bryce Underwood. Against IU’s deep and talented defense, it won’t matter. The Hoosiers stymie Michigan on offense while slowly pulling away in the third quarter. — Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami

Indiana 31, Michigan 27

This is a really interesting game. The Hoosiers lost in brutal fashion against the Ohio State Buckeyes, and it’s very curious how they will respond. They won 22 games in a row, and a national championship, but this team is much different than last year’s squad.

They also have to contend with a Michigan squad that will be starting a new quarterback, with Tommy Carr starting over Bryce Underwood. That jolt could be enough to keep them competitive, but I don’t think it will be enough to get them the win. — Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida 

Indiana 31, Michigan 17 

Indiana jumps on Michigan early and never really lets the Wolverines find their footing, cruising to a 31-17 win behind an explosive passing attack. The biggest storyline heading into this matchup is Michigan’s decision to bench Bryce Underwood in favor of true freshman Tommy Carr at quarterback. While the move could eventually pay off, I’m not convinced the transition will be smooth, especially against an Indiana team that has looked capable of making opponents pay for their mistakes. Josh Hoover takes advantage of the matchup, connecting with Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh for several explosive plays that quickly put the Hoosiers in control. Indiana dictates the pace from the opening kickoff, builds an early lead and forces Michigan to play from behind.

The Wolverines have enough talent to make things interesting, but asking a true freshman quarterback to step into this situation and keep pace with Indiana is a difficult task. Carr will likely have some growing pains, and the Hoosiers should be able to capitalize on those moments while keeping Michigan’s offense from finding a consistent rhythm. Hoover doesn’t need to do anything spectacular throughout the entire game, but a few big throws to Becker and Marsh will make the difference. Indiana’s ability to establish control early allows it to dictate the game script in the second half, forcing Michigan to take chances offensively. The Wolverines find a way to add some points late, but Indiana’s early advantage proves too much to overcome. — Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame