The Michigan Wolverines took care of the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, winning by a final score of 24-10. While the game was close for much of the first three quarters, the Wolverines ended up pulling
away in the end. The offense put up 445 total yards, with 270 of those being through the air.
Here are four winners and three losers from the win over the Badgers.
WRs Donaven McCulley and Andrew Marsh — Winners
For the first time since 2023, the Wolverines had a 100-yard performance from a receiver. Donaven McCulley had a fantastic toe-tap catch along the sidelines and then got into the end zone late in the third quarter for his first touchdown as a Wolverine. McCulley had six catches for 112 yards and one score.
Andrew Marsh had an impressive sideline catch of his own and was just behind McCulley with 80 yards on four catches. Michigan needed to get some help from its receivers, considering Wisconsin’s rush defense ahead of the game. McCulley and Marsh proved to be reliable targets for Underwood in this one.
Dropped Passes — Loser
Underwood did not get a lot of help from some of his receivers in this game. Tight end Max Bredeson had a crucial drop early in the second quarter that forced Michigan to punt. Later in the game, wide receivers Semaj Morgan and Kendrick Bell also had drops in crucial situations. Heading into the game, receivers had a total of 11 drops; that number went up by three on Saturday. Hopefully this improves moving forward.
S Rod Moore — Winner
All around, Michigan’s defense looked stellar, but safety Rod Moore came up with an interception. It’s no secret Moore has been working his way back from injury, but the recovery process may have taken longer than he hoped. To see him back on the field and getting that pick was a special moment this season.
Offensive Line — Loser
When all was said and done, the offensive line did enough, but it still has room for improvement. Underwood was forced out of a collapsing pocket multiple times and took one sack against the Badgers. While Michigan managed to move the ball and get into the end zone on a few occasions, it would’ve been more encouraging to see a little more dominance along the offensive line. I don’t think it was a failing performance, but it is an area for improvement moving forward.
RB Justice Haynes — Winner
Despite Wisconsin having the No. 1 rush defense heading into this game, Haynes was, once again, a formidable foe for the opposing defense. He carried the ball 19 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns. He’s had more than 100 yards rushing in every game this season and continues to be a major weapon for the offense, and he proved it once again this week.
First Quarter Defense — Loser
Michigan’s defense allowed Wisconsin to win the time of possession battle and drive the length of the field to score a touchdown on its opening possession. The Wolverines buttoned things up from that point on, but if there is one area in this game to critique, that would be it.
We know the team wins and loses together, but who would you say won the day, and who could use some improvement heading into next week? Let us know in the comments!
