Denard Robinson's Michigan Wolverines Take On Indiana: Four Key Matchups

As the Michigan Wolverines' football team travels to Bloomington to face the Hoosiers, it certainly would qualify as a surprise that both teams are undefeated.

The Wolverines, led by the dynamic Denard Robinson, have risen to #19 in both polls, a result of impressive victories over UConn and Notre Dame.

The Hoosiers haven't beaten anyone worth a dime, but have been impressive in their 3-0 start.

Michigan is the consensus pick to win the game, but it might not be as easy as people think.

In what should turn out to be a shootout, here are the four key matchups that will decide the game's outcome.

Indiana QB Ben Chappell Vs. Michigan Secondary

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Ben Chappell #4 of the Indiana Hooisers passes the ball downfield during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium on November 1, 2008 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

If the Wolverines can win this matchup, the game won't even be close.

Chappell, fifth in the nation in QB rating (179.04) and sixth in completion percentage (72.4%), has been outstanding in 2010, albeit against weak competition.

He torched Akron for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns last week, and is facing a weak Michigan secondary that gave up 381 yards to Notre Dame, and over 250 to Bowling Green.

Ouch.

But the Wolverine secondary has been good enough to win so far, playing solidly in the redzone and forcing six interceptions.

If they can simply contain Chappell, they should be fine, but that's easier said than done for a team that lost three cornerbacks who played significant minutes last year. (And the secondary wasn't all that good last year, either).

Advantage: Heavily to Indiana

Michigan QB Denard Robinson Vs. Indiana Defense

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines pushes off a tackle attempt by Manti Te'o #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the final minute at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Michigan de

Denard "Shoelace" Robinson has taken the world by storm, forcing his name to the top of the Heisman candidates' list by leading the nation in rushing and coming close in rushing.

Averaging over 9.1 yards per passing attempt and 8.7 yards per carry to go along with 10 touchdowns and only one interception, Shoelace's big-play ability is simply going to be too much for the weak Indiana defense to handle.

Robinson should absolutely light up the scoreboard this week.

Advantage: Heavily to Michigan

Michigan's Kicking Game Vs. Indiana's

If this game does turn out to be close, the Wolverines could be in trouble if they need to make a clutch field goal, no matter how far out it's from.

Original starter Brendan Gibbons is 1-4 on the season, with a long of 24 yards. He also has missed an extra point.

Seth Broekhuizen has since replaced him, and is 0-1 so far.

Michigan's offense has been so potent that this hasn't caused much trouble for the team, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.

For the record, Indiana's kicker, Nick Freeland, is 2-2 on the season and 5-5 on extra points.

Advantage: Heavily toward Indiana

Craig Roh and The Michigan Pass Rush Vs. Indiana's OL

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Craig Roh #88 of the Michigan Wolverines awaits the start of play against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Michigan defeated Notre Dame 28-24. (Photo by Jonat

Craig Roh, the Wolverine's premier pass rusher, along with the beastly Mike Martin, lead a defensive front that should cause fits for the Indiana offensive line.

if Michigan can create consistent pressure on Chappell, it will ease the burden on their secondary, which is essential.

They should be able to bully Indiana's offensive line all day long, and if Indiana's offense stalls just a little bit, that will be enough for Michigan's potent offense to run away with this game.

Advantage: Michigan

Who Has The Overall Edge?

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 25: Roy Roundtree #12 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a 32 yard gain after catching the pass from Denard Robinson during the first quarter of the game against Bowling Green on September 25, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arb

Michigan has obvious weaknesses on defense, especially in the secondary, but Indiana has the same exact concerns, possibly even worse.

And the Wolverines are clearly superior on offense, despite Chappell's gaudy stat-line thus far.

As long as Denard continues to run wild and the secondary can make a few stops, Michigan should win this high-scoring fair pretty comfortably.

But as Indiana showed in last year's close 36-33 defeat, they are capable of hanging with the more-talented Wolverines.

Prediction: Denard is way too much for Indiana to handle, and Michigan wins 45-34.

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud