Michigan’s Offensive Struggles Continue as No. 6 Indiana Escapes Ann Arbor With 13–6 Overtime Victory

Tommy Carr makes his first collegiate start, but the Wolverines fail to reach the end zone in another frustrating offensive performance.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (October 24, 2026) — Michigan made a change at quarterback Saturday afternoon, hoping freshman Tommy Carr could provide the offensive spark the Wolverines desperately needed.

Instead, the same problems continued.

No. 6 Indiana defeated Michigan 13–6 in overtime at Michigan Stadium, handing the Wolverines their third loss of the season and raising further questions about an offense that continues to struggle under head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Carr made his first collegiate start after replacing Bryce Underwood during last weekend’s comeback victory over Penn State.

But against Indiana, Michigan failed to score a touchdown despite having opportunities to take control of the game.

The Wolverines fall to 4–3 overall and 1–3 in Big Ten play, while Indiana improves to 7–1 and 4–1 in the conference.

Michigan’s Defense Keeps the Wolverines Alive

Saturday’s matchup quickly turned into a defensive battle.

Indiana opened the scoring with a 22-yard field goal from Nico Radicic in the first quarter before adding another field goal in the second.

Michigan entered halftime trailing 6–0.

Despite struggling offensively, the Wolverines remained within striking distance because of their defense.

Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover completed just eight of 18 passes for 81 yards and threw an interception.

Michigan held the Hoosiers to 212 total yards, forcing Indiana to fight for nearly every opportunity.

But the Wolverines couldn’t capitalize consistently on the defensive effort.

Tommy Carr’s First Start Comes With Growing Pains

Carr entered Saturday with momentum following his performance against Penn State.

The freshman had helped Michigan score 21 second-half points in that victory, creating optimism that a quarterback change could improve the offense.

Indiana presented a different challenge.

Carr struggled with ball security and faced consistent pressure throughout the afternoon.

An early lost fumble and an interception prevented Michigan from building offensive momentum.

The freshman was also sacked four times, including on a critical late-game possession.

Michigan finished with just 57 rushing yards on 42 attempts, an average of 1.4 yards per carry.

Those numbers illustrate that the Wolverines’ problems extend beyond the quarterback position.

Without a productive running game or consistent protection, Michigan struggled to sustain drives and finish scoring opportunities.

Wolverines Force Overtime but Cannot Finish

Michigan finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter when Troy Butkowski connected on a 29-yard field goal.

The Wolverines trailed 6–3 entering the fourth quarter.

With time running out, Michigan put together a 13-play, 53-yard drive to reach Indiana territory.

But another sack near the goal line prevented the Wolverines from attempting to win the game with a touchdown.

Butkowski converted a 26-yard field goal as regulation expired, tying the game at six and forcing overtime.

Indiana wasted little time responding.

Hoover connected with Brock Schott for a 21-yard completion before scoring on a four-yard touchdown run.

The Hoosiers took a 13–6 lead.

Michigan had an opportunity to answer, advancing to Indiana’s 13-yard line.

But the Wolverines failed to convert on fourth down, ending their comeback attempt and giving Indiana the victory.

Indiana Ends Long Drought at Michigan Stadium

The victory marked Indiana’s first win at Michigan Stadium since 1967.

For the defending national champion Hoosiers, Saturday’s result also provided an important response following their loss to Ohio State.

Indiana wasn’t particularly effective offensively, but its defense delivered when it mattered most.

The Hoosiers prevented Michigan from scoring a touchdown and made critical stops in the red zone.

That proved enough to escape Ann Arbor with a conference victory.

MCSN Take: Michigan’s Problems Go Beyond the Quarterback

Michigan fans spent the week debating whether Tommy Carr or Bryce Underwood should start against Indiana.

Saturday provided a much bigger answer.

Changing quarterbacks alone will not fix this offense.

Carr certainly made mistakes. His turnovers were costly, and he struggled to deliver consistently under pressure.

But Michigan’s offensive line, running game and overall execution were equally concerning.

The Wolverines held a top-10 opponent to six points through regulation.

That should have been enough to win.

Instead, Michigan managed only two field goals.

Whittingham and his staff must find answers quickly.

Michigan cannot continue expecting its defense to carry the entire team while the offense struggles to produce touchdowns.

Carr may still become the quarterback Michigan needs, and Underwood’s development remains important.

But the bigger issue is whether the Wolverines can establish an offensive identity capable of competing in the Big Ten.

Saturday wasn’t simply a disappointing loss. It was another warning sign that Michigan’s offensive problems are deeper than one position.

What’s Next?

Michigan travels to face Rutgers on Saturday, October 31.

The Wolverines will enter that matchup looking to avoid another setback as they attempt to salvage their conference season.

With four games remaining, Michigan has little room for continued offensive struggles.