when your offense moves so fast ESPN split-screens replays and live action

Unlike some other games I've done for FFFF, Indiana-Iowa is a pretty good way to prepare for Indiana-Michigan; like the Wolverines, the Hawkeyes boast a strong defensive front, quality players in the secondary (especially Desmond King), and a decent-enough offense that looks to move the ball on the ground first.

The Hoosiers played Iowa tough last weekend, closing to within 21-20 early in the fourth quarter before the Hawkeyes pulled away then survived a late onside kick to win 35-27. Indiana's offense doesn't quite look like the full-on Air Raid of years past; thanks to a very viable running game, they're still quite dangerous.

Personnel. Seth's diagram (click to embiggen):

On the Michigan side, Dymonte Thomas is now on the graphic after starting last week and out-snapping Delano Hill by a considerable margin.

Spread, Pro-Style, or Hybrid? Spread. The Hoosiers took one snap under center the entire game: a hurry-up QB sneak on third-and-inches.

Basketball on Grass or MANBALL? Indiana heavily favors inside zone, which is also the run play they block the best. They had up-and-down success with a few powers they'll throw in as changeups.

Hurry it up or grind it out? See the screencap at the top of the post. Indiana's 19th nationally in adjusted pace, and while they've actually slowed the offense down a little from years past, they're great at selectively dialing up the tempo. No matter what they'll get to the line in a hurry; it's just a matter of how quickly they want to get the next play off.

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the breakdown.]

About last week:

Yoink.

The road ahead:

Michigan Sta…

Wait, we haven’t gotten there yet. We go in chronological order around here.

Oh, c’mon. Let me just talk about State first, then I’ll talk about the other dreck that comes between here and there.

Nope.

DID YOU EVEN SEE THE STATE GAME? We need a real lede here. Throw some red meat up front. No one come here for my take on Akron

This isn’t Columbus. There are rules.

I hate you so much, disembodied bolded alter-ego. FINE, we’ll talk about…

Akron (1-1, 0-0 MAC)

Last game: Akron 35, James Madison 33 (W)

Recap: Michigan’s next opponent is, shall we say, not coming into the game riding a high. Despite not actually fielding a football team, James Madison took Akron to the absolute wire. The Fightin’ Dolleys scored with five minutes left, but missed the two point conversion. They then got the ball back with 1:19 left, and went on a 12 play drive to the Akron 27 before time expired. James Madison outgained Akron 498-356. Again, this was James Madison. Confirmed: Akron remains not good at football.

This team is as frightening as: I refuse to be That Guy who jinxes the upcoming game by labeling it a fear level = 1. Therefore, fear level = 1.07.

Michigan should worry about: Third-world hunger is a problem still, right?

Michigan can sleep soundly about: Akron football.

When they play Michigan: This game is a bit of a palate cleanser following the Notre Dame game. Which is fitting, because Akron has the defensive cohesiveness and overall consistency of a fine sorbet. PREPARE THE FRESHMEN.

Next game: vs. #11 Michigan

[AFTER THE JUMP: more dreck, then Sparty]