Experienced Indiana QB Ben Chappell will help determine if UM's maligned defense can be at least adequate against Big Ten opponents.
Although his leg injury caused some Michigan concern, Denard Robinson was walking the sidelines throughout the second half of Saturday's victory over Bowling Green while the Wolverines found a few more weapons in their offense.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Last year, Michigan's 36-33 victory over Indiana in the fourth week of the season was all that kept the Wolverines from an 0-8 record in the Big Ten.
It took a Tate Forcier touchdown pass with 2:29 to play and a Donovan Warren interception of Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell to save the win.
A year later, the Wolverines are again undefeated, as they were entering that game, and Chappell is back as Indiana's QB. After throwing 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last year, Chappell has nine touchdowns and no interceptions against three lesser opponents, with a passer rating that ranks him sixth in the nation.
Now he's getting ready to face a Michigan pass defense that ranks 105th in the country, giving up 265 yards per game. It seems like every week is a referendum on the Michigan defense, but this is certainly another one. Michigan has a 16-game winning streak against the Hoosiers dating back to 1987.
At least the Wolverines should have superhero Denard Robinson back at quarterback, with the left knee injury that knocked him out in the first quarter against Bowling Green -- the Wolverines scored 51 of their 65 points without Robinson on the field against the Falcons -- not that serious, according to coach Rich Rodriguez.