After an ugly 21-16 victory against Purdue two weeks ago, a bye week for the Michigan Wolverines was much needed. Michigan came into the week riddled with injuries, and hopefully some key guys are back
this weekend when the team heads to Wrigley Field to take on the Northwestern Wildcats.
It hasn’t been pretty this season, but the Wolverines are entering the final stretch with every goal still within reach. They are 7-2 overall, 5-1 in Big Ten play, and ranked No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings. If they win out, they will more than likely make the CFP.
The first obstacle is Northwestern, so let’s make some bold predictions for the game.
Bryce Underwood will throw three touchdown passes
Bryce Underwood hasn’t lit up the stat sheet this season, but before last week, he was doing pretty much everything Michigan needed him to do. The Purdue game was ugly, however, as he missed some easy throws and turned the ball over twice. The coaching staff has to realize that if this team is going to be a championship contender, it is going to need more from Underwood.
Expect the staff to look to get him into a good groove before the Ohio State game, and that will lead to him throwing three touchdowns in this game. Northwestern has a solid defense, and it especially excels in stopping the pass. However, Jordan Marshall will be able to change the approach for the Wildcats with another solid game on the ground, allowing Underwood to make some plays.
Bryce Underwood will rush for 100+ yards
After a little preview of Underwood’s legs earlier this season, we haven’t seen a lot of effort to get Underwood involved in the ground game. To be quite frank, it’s been mind-boggling, as his legs are a game-changer for this team. This coaching staff needs to unlock that potential at this part of the year.
While some stuff is likely getting saved for the big one in late November, Underwood needs to be ready for that and ramp up his part in the ground game. I expect him to run more involved the next couple of weeks, and he will have success with 100+ rushing yards against Northwestern.
Northwestern leads in second half, Michigan wins by two scores
A lot of people are assuming Michigan is going to be 9-2 when Ohio State comes to town. That could very well be the case, but Northwestern and Maryland can’t be overlooked. The Wildcats are having a solid season and are exceeding expectations, and Maryland has played some good teams tough.
This game against Northwestern isn’t going to be easy. Northwestern will make life tough on the Michigan offense in the first half, and the Wildcats will make all the Wolverines fans in attendance nervous when they take the lead in the second half. However, it won’t last. Michigan will finish strong in the fourth quarter to earn a two-score win.
