Indiana gutted out a win over Michigan, but the Hoosiers need more from Josh Hoover if they want to repeat

The fifth-year quarterback just posted his worst performance as a starter since 2023 Indiana's first win at Michigan since 1967 didn't feel as jubilant as it should've. In fact, the defending national champions enter the home stretch with more questions than answers offensively after Curt Cignetti admitted he thought about benching starting quarterback Josh Hoover at halftime with Indiana leading 6-0. The fifth-year signal caller finished 8 for 18 for 81 yards passing and his first interception of the season, leading to a 22.6 QBR — the lowest output since his first career start (13.4) at TCU in 2023. Hoover scored the eventual game-winning touchdown on a 4-yard run in the extra session, but his performance left much to be desired.

"There were a lot of discussions about (backup quarterback) Grant Wilson and Josh Hoover in the second half because Grant had a good week of practice and is really capable," Cignetti said. "At the end of the day, it's been Josh's season, and even though he's not 100%, we've got to finish it out with him, and he responded." Hoover helped the Hoosiers avoid losing two straight for the first time in three years under Cignetti, and he was playing through injury after completing just one pass over Indiana's final five possessions — a 21-yard hookup with tight end