Last Week at The Wolverine Den

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The Michigan Wolverines are back in action after a bye week. The opponent is the Northwestern Wildcats, and the game will be played at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Wrigley Field opened in 1914 and is the 2nd oldest ballpark in baseball. It is home to the Chicago Cubs and was formerly home to the Chicago Bears from 1921-1970. It is known for ivy-covered outfield walls and the hand-operated scoreboard. It is truly a historic stadium and will host its 6th college football game. Northwestern has played in each of the previous 5 games played at Wrigley and lost all of them.

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M Alumni Tailgate

This year's Northwestern team is 5-4 and needs only one more win to become bowl eligible. After Michigan, they play Minnesota at Wrigley Field and then visit Illinois in their finale, so there is a chance that the Wildcats could make a bowl game. QB Preston Stone is a transfer from SMU. Stone started for the Mustangs in 2023 and led the team to a 10-2 record. He then lost his job in 2024 and then transferred to Northwestern. He averaged 266 passing yards per game in 2023 but has only managed 145 passing yards per game this year, when factoring out games against FCS competition. Caleb Komolafe is the top running back, averaging over 80 yards per game. Overall, NW offense is 95th in the nation in Total Offense.

The Wolverine Den Trivia

Q: When was the last time Michigan do not have a player drafted in the NFL draft?

A: Since the 1st NFL draft in 1938, Michigan has had a draft pick in all 87 drafts. The only team to accomplish that!

The Northwestern defense is much improved over the one that allowed 50 points to Michigan last year. They are 33rd in the nation in Total Defense. Roger Fitzgerald is 6th in the Big Ten in tackles. But the Wildcats do not pressure the QB, only 114th in the nation in sacks, plus they have a horrific turnover margin, ranking 111th in the county.

But Northwest plays a style that can frustrate opponents. They are 13th in the nation in Time of Possession, commit very few penalties and generally try to slow the game down. NW has allowed the 3rd fewest offensive plays in all of college football. It's usually a low scoring game with long drives by both teams.

It's also the battle for the George Jewett Trophy. Established in 2021, Michigan is 2-0 in the trophy game with wins in 2021 and 2024. The Wolverines will look to keep possession of the trophy. The bye week came at a very opportune time for Michigan as there have been several key players with injuries that have a chance to get back on the field for Saturday's game. Regardless, the Wolverines' 2nd string would win this game. But don't be surprised if it is close until the end.

The Wolverines are still in the running for the College Football Playoffs, but need wins, and convincing wins in the final 3 games to reach the goal. Michigan has won the last 8 in a row over Northwestern and are 32-4 over the Cats since the start of the Bo era.

Michigan is favored by 12½ points.

Post-Game Summary

Survive and advance. Michigan pulled out a 24-22 victory over Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field. The Wolverines overcame 5 turnovers and 2 missed field goals but still won the game in the final drive and on the final play. It should not have been that close. Michigan had 496 yards of offense while Northwestern had only 245. But those turnovers. Bryce had 280 passing yards, his best total in his 10-game career. Andrew Marsh set a Michigan freshman record with 12 receptions for 189 yards. Marsh clearly looks like our #1 receiver.

Injuries continue to pile up as Jordan Marshall left the game with an apparent shoulder injury. Cole Sullivan, Rod Moore, Evan Link and Justice Haynes did not play. But the Wolverines prevailed despite the turnovers and despite the injuries.

Tim's Prediction

24-14

Craig's Prediction

24-14

Brown's Prediction

28-17

Steve's Prediction

27-14

Steve 30, Brown 28½, Craig 22, Tim 19½