One year after winning a national title, Michigan failed to reach the College Football Playoffs. This season, the 18th-ranked Wolverines have a clear path towards a postseason return. However, that means winning out over their next three games, including Saturday’s matchup against Northwestern. Can the Wildcats take down a conference rival at home?
Michigan enters this contest as 10.5-point favorites (-108) over Northwestern, with the over/under set at 41.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Michigan vs. Northwestern prediction, preview
Michigan, at 7-2, doesn’t have any true signature wins. Still, the Wolverines don’t have any bad losses either, which is more than some other would-be contenders can say. This group, per usual, is led by its defense. UM has held opponents to 304.0 yards of offense per game, sixth-best in the Big Ten. Unsurprisingly, the team’s defensive line ranks among the nation’s best. Edge Derrick Moore leads the way with 8.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss.
Offense has been a bit more of a challenge, especially against elite programs. However, that doesn’t really apply to 5-4 Northwestern. UM quarterback Bryce Underwood is still progressing as a passer. Still, he’s already one of college football’s most dangerous dual-threats. This season, the freshman has thrown for 1,671 yards, ran for 272 more, and accumulated 11 total touchdowns. On the ground, running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall have combined for 18 touchdowns, as well. Unsurprisingly, the Wolverines rank third in the Big Ten with 223.8 rushing yards per game.
Northwestern has opted for a similar approach on offense, partially due to its lack of success through the air. Quarterback Preston Stone has coughed up a conference-leading nine interceptions. However, running back Caleb Komolafe has churned out 726 yards and eight touchdowns, leading an otherwise unremarkable offense. Still, Michigan’s secondary will have a stellar wideout in Griffin Wilde to deal with. The junior leads the Wildcats with 43 catches, 593 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
When these two schools met in 2024, it wasn’t particularly close. The Wolverines dominated en route to a 50-6 blowout. Northwestern has lost by 20+ points against three different teams: Oregon, USC, and Tulane. In comparison, Michigan has defeated three different Big Ten schools by multiple scores this season. UM’s pair of losses both came on the road against ranked opponents.
Michigan vs. Northwestern pick, best bet
A run-oriented approach has allowed for Michigan to squeeze the life out of its opponents. That game plan doesn’t always lend itself to dominant wins. With that being said, there’s nothing that Northwestern does exceptionally well. The Wildcats wield the Big Ten’s third-worst passing offense, which makes it difficult to trust them when trailing. A Wolverines squad with plenty left to play for should come out firing on all cylinders this weekend.
