The Michigan football team's defensive unit is one of the nation's best.
But much of it could be on the sideline when the 13th-ranked Wolverines face Indiana on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
The foot-injury gods have cast a spell on Michigan.
Defenders Sam Sword, Jarrett Irons, Glen Steele and Will Carr all have sustained various foot injuries over the past couple of weeks, and all are questionable for this weekend's game.
"These kids are so big and so fast," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "There's a lot of stress on small bones. It's one of the modern-day football problems."
The injuries to Irons, Sword and Swett present Carr with the biggest problems, because the trio makes up 75 percent of Michigan's best inside linebackers.
This means increased roles for Eric Mayes and Dhani Jones at the inside spot.
The injury woes could spell trouble for the Wolverines against Indiana running back Alex Smith. Through six games, Smith has gained 769 yards rushing, good enough for ninth-place nationally.
"I look at (Indiana) as an extremely dangerous team," Carr said. "I think Alex is a tough, hard-nosed guy."
Still, injuries or no injuries, Carr is not about to use health as an excuse for the Northwestern loss or for any other poor performances.
"There was no excuse in the fourth quarter (against Northwestern) for not executing," Carr said.
"Our defense was on the field for 29 plays in the first half. That's a vacation. Getting tired was no excuse."
The Wildcats outgained the Wolverines, 172-28, during the fourth quarter of their 17-16 upset victory.
Anes is in: The Wolverines' week off gave Carr a chance to look at some of the younger players, and freshman fullback John Anes is one of those likely to see more action this weekend.
Anes was impressive against UCLA on Sept. 28, gaining 84 yards on 17 carries.
He will take some carries away from Michigan's top two backs - Clarence Williams and Chris Howard - against Indiana.
Carr wasn't exactly disappointed with the play of Williams and Howard against the Wildcats, but neither back broke any long runs, and Howard had a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter.
"I'm going to find out if a bigger guy like Anes can make a difference," Carr said.
"He'll be at fullback, and at times, he'll be our one-back."
Northwestern hangover: Carr's largest problem during the past week perhaps has been motivating his team.
The week off gave the Wolverines extra time to think about losing to the Wildcats for the second straight year.
The loss, coupled with Ohio State's early dominance this season, make a Michigan trip to the Rose Bowl appear unlikely.
"I think the difficult thing of an open week after a loss is that you're constantly reminded (about it)," Carr said.
"I don't think anybody's gotten it out of their system. It's our job to do that by Saturday."
In the running again?: Hope arose for Michigan this past weekend when Big Ten favorites Ohio State and Northwestern struggled to defeat Wisconsin and Minnesota, respectively.
The fact that both the Buckeyes and Wildcats are mortal means the Wolverines have at least a decent chance to reach Pasadena - if they can win their last six games.
"All you have to do is look at last weekend," Carr said. "Anybody can beat you.
"There are going to be some games when teams win games, and people are going to say, 'How did that happen?'"
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
Michigan's offense had occasional problems holding onto the ball in the first few games. Now, the defense has some of its own problems. Four Michigan defenders have sustained various foot injuries and may not play against Indiana.