Homecoming Tailgate Tales: Indiana Vs. No. 4 Michigan

Welcome back to another episode of Tailgate Tales where Hoosier fans are asked to break down what Indiana football needs to do to slow down a top five team like Michigan. Score predictions and players to watch are included.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana welcomes No. 4-ranked Michigan to Memorial Stadium for an exciting homecoming game. Join Hoosiers Now reporter Haley Jordan on Tailgate Tales as she ventures out into the tailgate fields to ask Hoosier fans what Indiana can do to slow down the Wolverines' offense.

Michigan is a 22.5 point favorite after a 5-0 start on the season including last week's 27-14 win over Big Ten opponent Iowa. 

The Hoosiers have struggled to get going on offense in the first half and emphasized that can't happen when facing a top-five team. Tight end AJ Barner, who is out for the game with a left foot injury, said it's one thing to say it, but another to do it, and the Hoosiers haven't played four true quarters of football yet.

Fans in the tailgate fields were split when it came to the score prediction. Some showcased their Hoosier pride and put Indiana up by several touchdowns. Other fans reluctantly admitted they think Michigan will come out victorious. 

Fans are also concerned with Michigan's run game led by Blake Corum, who's rushed for 611 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Other fans added Indiana's defensive line needs to come out more aggressive when facing the Wolverines' offense powered by sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy. 

This will only be McCarthy's second road game start as he enters a stadium filled to the brim with screaming cream and crimson fans looking for their team to redeem the past two weeks of losses.

Related stories on Indiana football:

• INDIANA VS. MICHIGAN LIVE BLOG Indiana (3-2) takes on No. 4 Michigan (5-0) at Noon ET on Saturday. Here's our live blog, where you can catch all the action in real time live from the press box at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. CLICK HERE
• CAM JONES, AJ BARNER, JAYLIN WILLIAMS, D.J. MATTHEWS OUT FOR MICHIGAN GAME Indiana football will be without some of its top players in Saturday's Noon ET kickoff against Michigan. CLICK HERE
• EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH REGGIE BUSH, MATT LEINART, BRADY QUINN Big Noon Kickoff analysts Reggie Bush, Brady Quinn and Matt Leinart give a players' perspective on what Indiana football needs to do to slow down No. 4-ranked Michigan. Watch the full exclusive interviews, or read the transcript summary of their best comments. CLICK HERE
• HOW TO WATCH MICHIGAN AT INDIANA Indiana football (3-2) welcomes No. 4 Michigan (5-0) to Bloomington on Saturday for the Hoosiers' homecoming game at Noon ET at Memorial Stadium. Here's how to watch, with game time and TV information, the latest on the point spread and three things to see from Indiana. CLICK HERE