Northwestern (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) will face off against Michigan (5-5, 3-4) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST, with the match being broadcasted on FS1. The betting odds from BetMGM suggest Michigan is favored by 11.5 points heading into the matchup. Historically, Michigan holds a commanding lead in the series with a record of 59 wins, 15 losses, and 2 ties against Northwestern.
The stakes are particularly high for the Wolverines, who are looking to extend their season and secure bowl eligibility under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore. A victory is crucial for Michigan, especially with a formidable matchup approaching against their arch-rival Ohio State, which currently ranks second in the nation. Conversely, an upset by the Wildcats at Michigan Stadium could open the door for postseason play, especially if they can follow it up with a win against Illinois at home next week, allowing coach David Braun’s team to aim for a second consecutive bowl appearance.
A key aspect to watch in this game will be Michigan’s running attack facing off against Northwestern’s resilient run defense. The Wolverines emphasize their ground game, relying heavily on running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. This approach comes as they face challenges in the passing department, where they’ve struggled throughout the season. With an average of 155.5 rushing yards per game, they will test a Northwestern defense that allows only 114.6 rushing yards per game, placing them 28th in the FBS rankings.
In terms of individual performances, one player to keep an eye on for Northwestern is A.J. Henning. Having transferred from Michigan after playing there between 2020 and 2022, Henning has shown he can make an impact. He recorded five catches for 42 yards against Ohio State and has matched his career-best total with 45 catches this season, a remarkable jump from the 25 receptions he managed during his time with the Wolverines.
From the Michigan side, tight end Colston Loveland will be a player to note. The preseason All-American leads his team with impressive statistics, boasting 53 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns. Loveland also shares the single-season reception record for a tight end with Bennie Joppru, set in 2002.
Looking at some facts and figures, the Buckeyes recently triumphed over Northwestern with a score of 31-7 in last week’s matchup. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games. Quarterback Jack Lausch had a mixed performance against Ohio State, completing 21 of 35 passes for 201 yards along with a touchdown run, but he was also sacked four times and lost a fumble.
On the other hand, the Wolverines, having lost four of their last five games, took a bye last week to regroup. In their last outing, quarterback Davis Warren tossed 16 completions out of 32 attempts for 137 yards in a close 20-15 defeat against Indiana. Historically, Michigan has been dominant in this matchup, winning seven consecutive games and 12 out of the last 13 against Northwestern, with their only loss in this stretch occurring back in 2008 at home.