The Michigan Wolverines were on bye this past week, but are ready to get back to action with a matchup against Wisconsin in Ann Arbor this Saturday. The Badgers have struggled mightily to start the year, but you never know what could happen in a Big Ten Conference game.
Let’s make a few bold predictions for the matchup.
Bryce Underwood will throw three TD passes
Wisconsin’s No. 1 ranked run defense will likely cause some issues for Michigan’s offense. The Wolverines are going to want to run the ball, but it’s likely not going to be as easy
as it was against Nebraska.
The Badgers aren’t great at stopping the pass, ranking 89th in passing yards allowed. This is a great opportunity for Michigan to show some explosiveness in the passing game, and we know Bryce Underwood is good enough to put on a show. I think he’ll throw for at least three touchdowns in this one.
Donaven McCulley will find the end zone
Michigan needed wide receiver help this offseason, so it got Donaven McCulley to transfer in from Indiana. Expectations for him were high coming into the season, but he has been relatively quiet. So far on the year, he has hauled in 13 receptions for 197 yards and no touchdowns.
In McCulley’s defense, the offense has relied on the run game a lot,. Still, it’s surprising he hasn’t scored yet. He has been able to showcase his skill with some big plays, but this weekend, he will finally get into the end zone. Michigan is going to need to make plays through the air, and McCulley is one of the most talented pass-catchers on the team.
Michigan will win by 21+
The Wolverines are comfortable 16.5-point favorites coming into this one, and they should cover relatively easily. The Badgers have lost two games in a row — no one expected them to beat Alabama, but the last time they took the field, they lost to Maryland at home by 17 points as 10-point favorites.
Maryland freshman quarterback Malik Washington had a lot of success against Wisconsin, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Underwood should be able to make enough plays to get Michigan a comfortable win. On the other side of the ball, the Badgers have struggled to put up points, ranking 107th in scoring offense and 115th in total offense. The Wolverines should be able to keep that offense under control. If this one ends up being close, it will be a tad concerning.
