The Michigan Wolverines hold an overall track record of 58-10, beating the Indiana Hoosiers. However, under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, for the first time, Michigan will be an underdog when they play against Curt Cignetti‘s team in Bloomington on Saturday. Although Cignetti is leading the team for the first time, under his guidance, Indiana is flourishing with an unbeatable 9-0 record so far this season. Now Cignetti has a message for his rivals ahead of their upcoming game.

On the latest episode of the ‘Hoosier Illustrated’, Indiana’s head coach answered questions about their next game against the Michigan Wolverines. Curt Cignetti started by praising the team: “Look at them, and I see a really good defense, really good special team, and offensively they haven’t scored points. They are not in the 40s and 50s. But they can run the ba-l from 11, and 12, and 13 personnel, they’ve got weapons, they’ve got good backs, they’ve got good players and they’re a good football team. Coming in here with a lot of tradition, a lot of history, a lot of pride and that’s part of the reason it’s on national TV at 3:30.”

Although Michigan isn’t performing at their best this season, their offense, led by junior tight end Colston Loveland, has been praised by college football experts. So far this season, Loveland has secured 69 targets, 49 receptions, and 523 receiving yards, after which he’s getting counted as one of the top tight ends in the country.

Moving forward, Cignetti praised Michigan’s defensive coordinator Don Martindale by saying, “He does a great job and excellent coordinator, coordinating the NFL for a long time. And when you put the tape on, you see a defense that’s very multiple tries to create problems for offenses and good players that fly around, play hard and it all starts up front with them. They’re good inside; they’re good on the edge. They’re an aggressive defense.” Cignetti acknowledged that his team likely has a good plan to balance their offense, protect the quarterback, and utilize three receivers to counter Martindale’s defense.

Hoosiers’ QB Kurtis Rourke has faced significant pressure this season, but he’s still managed to impress. He’s completed 73.3% of his passes for 1,204 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. On the other hand, Michigan is dealing with its own quarterback issues in offense, and even Cignetti’s praise for their defense might be quite generous. In reality, Indiana has an opportunity to capitalize on Michigan’s weaknesses and secure a surprising victory. At least that’s what the football world is predicting.

Prediction for the upcoming Sherrone Moore vs. Curt Cignetti battle

It’s been the first time in Indiana’s history the program is entering week 10 with a 9-0 record after taking down Michigan State last weekend. Currently, No. 8 Indiana is now holding the second rank among its rival teams after averaging 46.6 points per game. On the other hand, Michigan’s stand in the CFB is getting worse with each passing week.

The Wolverines will enter this week after a heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Oregon last weekend. With that, Moore’s team is holding a 5-4 record so far. Furthermore, as per the predictions of FanDuel Sportsbook, Indiana is favored with 14 points to secure a win against Michigan. And as per the CFN FPM spread, Indiana leads with 13 points.

Well, this game is going to be a turning point for Michigan and Indiana both. If Indiana loses, they’ll break their nine-game winning streak, and if Michigan loses their playoff, chances will be at zero. As the upcoming showdown holds so much value for both teams, what are your picks on it? Are there any chances for Sherrone Moore’s boys to take down Indiana?