Last Week at The Wolverine Den

Michigan 24 - Wisconsin 10 (Homecoming / Maize Out)

Michigan Stadium

October 4, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. ET or 3:30 p.m. ET

Tailgate Pictures

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Game Preview

The Michigan Wolverines return to action on Saturday after the bye week to face the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. It's Homecoming for the Wolverines and alumni everywhere are expecting a strong performance from our team.

Wisconsin is one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Once a formidable opponent, the Badgers have been lucky to reach a .500 record over the past few years. The recipe at Wisconsin was a strong offensive line and a powerful running game, coupled with a stingy defense. But since Luke Fcickell was hired as the head coach 2 years ago, the Badgers tried to change their nature. Fickell brought in Phil Longo, one of the gurus of the Air Raid offense and Wisconsin started adding players that fit the new scheme. After only 2 years without success, the Badgers are back trying to play power football, but without the right players (if this sounds eerily similar to when Rich Rod came to Michigan in 2008 and tried to install the run and shoot). Longo is now the head coach at 0-5 Sam Houston St while Wisconsin is left with a broken roster for the type of team they want to be. Wisconsin is currently 109th in the nation in Rushing Offense (out of 136 teams) and 115th in total offense. Somehow, they are 5th in the nation in time of possession. In other words, they play slow, but don't go anywhere. QB Danny O'Neil is ranked 117th in Total Quarterback Rating and has as many interceptions as TD passes.

The Wisconsin defense has played pretty well. Thei rushing defense is ranked #1 in the country, allowing only 50 yards per game. Wow. But a closer inspection shows that the 4 teams they have played are not rushing teams. Opponents have had so much success throwing the ball against Wisconsin that they haven't needed to run.

But this game is not about the Wisconsin rushing defense, or their failed attempt to modernize their offense. The game is about Michigan continuing its climb to the very top of college football. This Michigan team is improving with every game. The latest polls have the Wolverines at #20 in the nation and give them a 34% chance to make the playoffs. Those numbers improve with every win. Look for Michigan to kick the teeth in of the #1 rushing defense and see our freshman quarterback have his best game yet. The Badgers are not favored in any of the final 8 games and might easily be 0-9 in the Big Ten this year, starting with Saturday.

Michigan leads the all-time series with Wisconsin 52-17-1. The Wolverines have a 95-27 record on Homecoming, including winning the last 12 in a row.

The Wolverines are a 17½-point favorite.

Post-Game Summary

The Michigan Wolverines beat the Wisconsin Badgers 24-10 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. The statistics say that it was a dominating performance by the Wolverines. Michigan outgained Wisconsin 4445 yards to 252. After their opening drive for a touchdown, Wisconsin only managed 172 total yards the rest of the game. At one point, Michigan held Wisconsin to a punt or a turnover on nine straight possessions, including 5 three-and-outs.

But the game felt more like Michigan was playing very conservatively rather than really dominating the opponent. You cannot do that against a good team.

Bryce threw for a career high 270 yards while Justice Haynes had his 5th straight 100-yard rushing game. Andrew Marsh started coming into his own with 4 receptions for 80 yards. A good win but more is needed to navigate the Big Ten schedule ahead.

Brown's Prediction

31-9

Steve's Prediction

31-13

Craig's Prediction

34-13

Tim's Prediction

35-14

Brown 18, Steve 14, Craig 10½, Tim 7½

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