In what should be a pretty unique and fun experience, Michigan will travel to Chicago to take on Northwestern at Wrigley Field this weekend.
Michigan is favored by 10.5 points over Northwestern at Wrigley Field tomorrow but this one has a certain kind of feel for some reason. The Wildcats are usually scrappy, and this year they have some nice pieces that make that scrappiness even more of an issue. With four graduate student offensive linemen and a potential NFL running back, there are some things to be concerned with. Throw in the weirdness of playing on a baseball field and you have the makings of what could be an entertaining and surprising game.
It's hard to figure out Michigan right now. Against Purdue, the offense was atrocious and they looked like they could lose to just about anyone if the ball bounced badly one time. Rewind back to Washington and you came away feeling like they were trending up and could really tangle with any team in the country. So what's it going to look like? Here's how we see it...
Dakota Allen
This game should be a fun one to watch as it’s going to look much different than what we are typically accustomed to. Even though Michigan is the away team I feel like a lot of alumni and fans in general are going to make it out to Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Windy City is home to so many Michigan fans that it could end up feeling like a home game.
I expect Michigan to pound the run game early and often with Jordan Marshall, but also show some promise through the air with Bryce Underwood.
Northwestern will be tougher than the spread gives them credit for, but between Michigan’s depth and talent gap it will prove to be too much. Don’t expect the Wildcats to just lie down, as they will give a heck of a fight, like they always do.
Michigan 24, Northwestern 14
Zack Besaw
I predict the matchup to feel like a neutral field with Michigan traveling well to the Windy City. I think the game being at historic Wrigley Field will motivate Michigan fans to take the trip.
On the field I expect Michigan’s defense to be dominant. I’m predicting Jimmy Rolder to be healthy again allowing him to have a huge game in his home town. I’m expecting the defense to force a turn over and possibly score a defensive touchdown.
For the offense I expect Michigan’s Joe Moore semifinalist linemen to control the trenches. Running back Jordan Marshall will surpass the 100-yard mark. I also expect to see freshman Jasper Parker get some solid yards if not a score or two.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood needs to focus on ball security this game and not make the mental mistakes. If he plays clean football and uses his legs this game, Michigan should be quite successful.
Michigan 21, Northwestern 10
Brandon Brown
If a good, solid, well disciplined Michigan team shows up, they could win by three touchdowns. If the Purdue game-version of the Wolverines rolls into Chicago, they just might get popped in the mouth by a tough, veteran and well-coached Northwestern team.
On offense, Michigan is going to run the rock with Jordan Marshall and only throw when necessary. That's what we've seen and I don't expect it to change tomorrow. I really hope we see Bryce Underwood utilized as a runner, as we have seen that here and there, because I expect the Wildcats to sell out against the run. If Underwood can loosen them up with his legs, I think it'll open up a lot of possibilities through the air.
On defense, it's going to be about putting pressure on Preston Stone. Northwestern's run game is solid and its offensive line is laden with veteran players. I think they'll be able to run it a bit, so it's going to come down to shutting down the passing game and I think Wink Martindale does that with a lot of pressure on stone, via the blitz or by keeping edge guys fresh.
At the end of the day, I do think Michigan is too talented and too deep so I'll give them the win. However, if they lack even a little bit like against Purdue, this could be the unexpected loss that Michigan cannot afford.
Michigan 31, Northwestern 13