17-year itch

The IU football team is looking to make a statement -- again.\nAfter knocking off then-No. 24 University of Oregon, 30-24, and moving to 2-0, hopes for a successful season began running high around Hoosier football. Two disappointing losses later, IU faces an important battle against No. 18 Michigan at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.\nThe battle figures to be a tough one, as the Wolverines (3-1, 1-0) boast one of the top defenses in the country. Michigan leads the nation in forced turnovers with 19, including five in its conference opener in a 30-17 win against Iowa. \nHaving depth and gifted players at multiple positions gives the coaching staff a lot to prepare for, IU coach Gerry DiNardo said.\n"This Michigan team is the most talented team we have played this season," DiNardo said. "We're in conference play and we have our work cut out for us."\nFor the Hoosiers (2-2, 0-1) the first-half has been a strength as IU has outscored its opponents 80-37 in the opening stanza.\nCarrying over the same first half consistency has been an issue in the second half as the Hoosiers have allowed the opposition to roll-up yards and points, putting up 35 more points than IU.\nGetting off to a fast start could be critical if the Hoosiers hope to pull off the upset, senior quarterback Matt LoVecchio said.\n"(The turnovers) are totally a big factor in any game. We have to work hard on protecting the football and play smart and get ready to play a physical game on offense," LoVecchio said. "It is always important to get off to a good start. (Michigan) has good personnel and a good scheme on defense, it will be important for us to get in and play good defense."\nMichigan comes into Memorial Stadium with a bevy of players that have been causing its opponent's defenses fits all season.\nThe signal caller for the Wolverines is true freshman Chad Henne. After a rough start against Notre Dame, resulting in a 28-20 defeat, Henne has guided the maize and blue to a come from behind win over San Diego State University, 24-21, and a win against Iowa.\nAnother freshman joins Henne in the backfield: running back Michael Hart leads the Wolverines in rushing at 4.4 yards per carry.\nThe first downfield option for Michigan is senior wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Edwards ranks fifth in the nation in receiving yards, averaging 125 yards per contest, grabbing five touchdowns in the process.\nVictor Adeyanju said having to deal with so many weapons on offense will be a test for the Hoosier defense.\n"It is tough challenge, we just have to stay positive, know what we have to do and hope that we come out with a W," Adeyanju said. "It is always motivation (playing a team like Michigan); we're just trying to stay positive and know that we can compete with teams."\nWith a big game on tap in front of a large regional audience on ABC, the first network appearance for IU since October 2000, the IU athletics department had a three day "Student Ticket Special" slashing prices from the normal $15 to $5. Mike Roberts, the ticket manager at the IU ticket office, said over a thousand tickets have been sold due to the promotion and Michigan is expected to fill its allotment of 4,000 tickets as well.\nPutting the bad second half play in the past behind them, the team is refocusing on Michigan and establishing a consistent intensity level, said senior wide receiver Courtney Roby, who is leading IU with 372 yards and three touchdowns.\n"It is completely up to us to make sure our head and focus is in the game at all times," Roby said. "We are definitely looking forward to the challenge, they are a great Michigan team and they have a lot of tradition, if we can't get up for this game something is wrong with us."\n-- Contact staff writer Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.