The mega guide to week 4: Everything you need to know about No. 23 Michigan vs. Indiana

Posted on Sat, Sep 26, 2009 : 8:02 a.m.

The mega guide to week 4: Everything you need to know about No. 23 Michigan vs. Indiana

By Pete Bigelow

WHO: No. 23 Michigan (3-0) vs. Indiana (3-0).

WHERE: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.

WHEN: 12:02 p.m., Saturday.

BROADCAST INFORMATION: Television: ESPN2. Radio: WOMC 104.3-FM; WTKA 1050-AM.

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to increased security measures, no bags of any size will be allowed inside the stadium, unless allowed by written permission of a medical professional

RUNDOWN:Â When the Big Ten football season officially gets under way Saturday, the Wolverines will be, shall we say, gently dipping their toes into the conference pool.

Despite a perfect start of their own, the Hoosiers don't scare anybody. They haven't won in Ann Arbor since Lyndon Johnson was in office, and there's no reason to suspect that will change in 2009.

After an emotionless start against Eastern Michigan last week, the Wolverines are guarding against a similar letdown and offering the utmost respect to Indiana in their pre-game comments.Â

But really, Saturday's matchup offers Michigan an opportunity to play some young players and get them valuable experience for the long haul, a chance to complete a perfect September and surpass the win total from last season.

Here's a recap of our preview coverage so far. Be sure to join us Saturday for a live chat during the game, back here at Ann Arbor.com.

FRIDAY

In today's edition of "For Argument's Sake," the only debate between AnnArbor.com reporters Dave Birkett and Mike Rothstein is over which second-stringers should play and how early they'll see the field.
Here are some handy links: If you're looking for Michigan's season statistics, go here. If you want to see how the Big Ten is shaping up statistically, go here.Â

THURSDAY

Rich Rodriguez provides an update on safety Mike Williams' health, and announces he'll have a new right tackle starting against Indiana.
Michigan has the most explosive offense in the Big Ten. That's good and bad, writes Dave Birkett. Find out how the time-of-possession battle is affecting the Wolverines.
Michael Rothstein interviews Bloomington (Ind.) Times-Herald sports editor Chris Korman for his take on the Hoosiers.
Tales of two halves: The Michigan defense has played differently in the first half compared to the second half in the past two games, writes Jeff Arnold.
Dave Birkett answers your questions in his weekly lunch-time chat. This week, the topics include whether he thinks Michigan will play in a January bowl. Chat with Dave every Thursday at noon.
Slot receiver Kelvin Grady left the Michigan basketball program for bigger and better things, but instead only found a graveyard shift at a factory, screwing tops onto bottles of lotion. Humbled, he's now on the football team and grateful for a chance, writes Dave Birkett.
"At least it's not the ACC." That's about the nicest thing Michael Rothstein can say about the Big Ten this season, which he hasn't seen gain any ground after seeing its reputation stained in last season's postseason.

WEDNESDAY

Rothstein has some observations from Wednesday's practice, noting, among other things, that it looks like Kevin Grady has surpassed Mark Moundros on the depth chart at fullback.
Injuries have forced some re-shuffling along Michigan's offensive line. David Moosman slides over from right guard and will start at center this week, Rich Rodriguez says after Wednesday's practice.
It's not only injuries the Wolverines are worried about. They've taken some precautions to guard against a flu outbreak, David Birkett writes.
In this video, Rich Rodriguez talks about the start of Big Ten play and what he likes so far about his team.
As noted above, stricter security rules are in effect for Saturday's game. Here's the full story.
Carlos Brown's 187-yard rushing effort last week was a career performance. Jeff Arnold sits down with Michigan's hot-handed running back for a Q&A session.
Get to know the Hoosiers.Â Here's a roundup of the best links on Indiana headed into the Michigan game.
Michigan and Minnesota don't play each other this season, but Greg Dooley at MVictors.com has a nice story on some lore surrounding The Little Brown Jug to help fans Â celebrate the 100th anniversary of the rivalry.
Michigan football is more popular than ever, at least as a Google search term.
No one else may think the Hoosiers have much of a chance Saturday, but they're carrying some confidence into the game, according to The Associated Press.

TUESDAY

Michael Rothstein spent a few hours crashed on his couch, breaking down film of the Western Michigan-Indiana game to compile this scouting report on the Wolverines' next opponent.
Rich Rodriguez is thrilled with the team's 3-0 start, but cautions that Michigan is still "a work in progress" in his weekly Big Ten teleconference.
Indiana coach Bill Lynch has some effusive praise for the poise of freshman Tate Forcier during his turn on the conference call.Â
Michigan fans may remember that EMU quarterback Andy Schmitt was seriously injured last week at Michigan Stadium. Here's an update on his condition.

MONDAY

Once again, Michael Rothstein spent a few hours breaking down film, this time plotting a full-fledged analysis of the tape from Michigan's 45-17 victory over the Eagles.
Rich Rodriguez cracks a few jokes at his own expenses during his Monday morning presser, according to Dave Birkett.
After a lot of turbulence at the outset of the season, a perfect start has allowed Rodriguez to loosen up a little and enjoy the season, opines Michael Rothstein.
More and more, early enrollees are contributing to the Wolverines, and J.T. Turner still might see significant action for the Wolverines, Dave Birkett writes.
Michigan loses starting center David Molk for 4 to 6 weeks due to a broken foot.
In his comments that inspired Wednesday's story, here's some video of Kelvin Grady detailing his hiatus from college sports.
Among Rich Rodriguez's more interesting comments in our in-progress notebook from his press conference were on prized recruit William Campbell, who has seen limited time on the defensive line so far this season.
Current Big Ten standings can be found here.
Where are they now: Former U-M receiver Mario Manningham lit up the Dallas Cowboys last weekend, and is becoming a dynamic player in the New York Giants' offense.
Carlos Brown is the Big Ten's offensive player of the week after his 187-yard jaunt through the EMU defense.
Does Denard Robinson belong at quarterback, running back or receiver? That's the question Dave Birkett tries to answer in this edition of "Birk's Eye View."

Comments

Kristine

Sat, Sep 26, 2009 : 10:43 a.m.

To elainem: No, you can't take a purse in to the game. No bags of any kind unless required for medical reasons and approved by a medical professional. Here's a quote from another annarbor.com story: "The Michigan Department of Public Safety said in a release Wednesday that no bags of any size will be permitted for the noon game unless there is written permission from a medical professional. Also prohibited: purses, lunch sacks, binocular cases, fanny packs and diaper bags."

elainem

Sat, Sep 26, 2009 : 10:26 a.m.

Please clarify: Does a purse count as a bag? Can a woman bring in her purse??

2000Blue

Fri, Sep 25, 2009 : 1:04 p.m.

Nice coverage, all around. Good job annarbor.com