WATCH: Indiana Takes Early Lead Against Michigan With Trick Play

Indiana's new offensive coordinator Rod Carey dialed up a trick play, resulting in a 44-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Donaven McCulley to Jaylin Lucas. The Hoosiers took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter against No. 2 Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Rod Carey had a trick play up his sleeve during his first game as Indiana's offensive coordinator.

With the score tied 0-0 late in the first quarter at No. 2 Michigan, Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby zipped a screen pass to wide receiver Donaven McCulley near the sideline. 

McCulley, who played seven games at quarterback for Indiana as a freshman in 2021, went back to his old ways and sailed the ball deep to Jaylin Lucas. The Michigan defense left Lucas wide open, and he caught the ball near the five-yard line for an easy 44-yard touchdown.

They forgot about Jaylin Lucas on the trick play. @IndianaFootball strikes first at No. 2 Michigan. 😱

📺: FOX/@CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/5nirL1VUaw

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 14, 2023

The play gave the Hoosiers an early 7-0 lead, which they carried into the second quarter.

Three players threw a pass for Indiana in the first quarter, including Tayven Jackson, who started at quarterback, followed by Sorsby and McCulley. McCulley switched from quarterback to wide receiver before the 2022 season, and his background as a passer proved valuable on Saturday against Michigan. When McCulley committed to Indiana out of Lawrence North High School, he was the highest-ranked quarterback recruit to ever pick Indiana.

Next up, Indiana returns home to host Rutgers. Coach Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights enter Saturday's game against Michigan State with a 4-2 r. Next week, kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET inside Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind.

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