Michigan Northwestern game predictions take center stage this week as the Wolverines return from their bye and head to Wrigley Field for a unique matchup. Michigan enters the game as the favorite, but Northwestern has shown enough grit this season to make things interesting if the Wolverines don’t set the tone early.
Here are three things everyone is expecting to see on Saturday from the Michigan Wolverines Football team.
3 Predictions for Michigan vs. Northwestern
1. Michigan Northwestern Game Predictions: Wolverines Run for 200 Plus Yards
Northwestern’s rush defense looks solid on paper, but it isn’t as firm as the ranking suggests. The Wildcats allowed a 200-yard game in Week 1 and gave up more than 150 yards in three other matchups, showing that they may not be able to handle the run game against Michigan. They hold up early, but they tend to wear down late.
Michigan loves to run the ball, and it does it well. The Wolverines already have five games with 200 rushing yards. Jordan Marshall continues to settle into his role. He usually gets stronger as the game goes on. With a rested offensive line and a clear identity, Michigan should control the ground game again.
Marshall can break 100 yards. With Michigan’s depth behind him, the team should cross the 200-yard mark without much drama.
2. Michigan Defense Delivers in This Michigan Northwestern Matchup
Preston Stone is talented, but turnovers have hurt him all season. He leads the Big Ten with nine interceptions. He has thrown multiple picks in three games. When he presses, the mistakes come fast, which could work in favor of Michigan’s secondary on defense.
Michigan’s secondary thrives on that. The group reads quarterbacks well and jumps routes with confidence. They have 11 interceptions already. When Michigan stops a run game early, quarterbacks usually end up forcing throws and start to make mistakes frequently.
Stone can make big plays, but he also puts the ball in harm’s way. If he throws often on Saturday, Michigan should get at least one interception. It wouldn’t shock anyone if they got more interceptions this weekend against the Northwestern Wildcats.
3. Bryce Underwood’s Role in the Michigan Northwestern Game
Fans want to see the passing game take a step forward this weekend. Bryce Underwood has flashed plenty of talent, but he hasn’t looked fully settled recently, causing concerns amongst fans and others. The timing has been off. The pass protection has been shaky at times. The bye week arrived at the perfect time, as rest and recovery may be a factor this week.
Michigan doesn’t need Underwood to be perfect. They just need the passing game to look smoother. Short throws and quick decisions should help him find a rhythm. If the run game works, the Wildcats will have to respect play action. That will give Underwood openings in the middle of the field.
Northwestern has the seventh-ranked pass defense in the Big Ten, so yards won’t come easily. Still, Michigan should create enough balance for Underwood to reach 175 passing yards or more. A clean, steady game would be a positive step.
How To Watch
Day/Date; Saturday November 15
Time: 12 Noon Eastern
Location: Martin Stadium, Northwestern University
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
