Young stars must deliver at Wrigley. Underwood and McCulley ignite offense, while Haynes and Marshall control the ground to chase playoff dreams.
A number of Michigan football players need to have big games against Northwestern this Saturday, if the Wolverines are to win and continue to pursue a College Football Playoff berth. Playing at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Michigan will rely on young stars, particularly quarterback Bryce Underwood and running backs Justice Haynes (if healthy) and Jordan Marshall, to overcome a formidable Northwestern defense that is coming off a poor performance against USC. The Wolverines' defense, led by Damon Payne Jr. and Ernest Hausmann, also needs to neutralize a Northwestern offense that features experienced transfers.
Offensive players
Quarterback Bryce Underwood and Wide Receiver Donaven McCulley
Quarterback Bryce Underwood, the highly touted true freshman, has been a key factor in Michigan's 7-2 record, but his passing production needs to continue its upward trend against a Northwestern defense that held up well for much of the season. After losing a number of starters to the NFL after the 2024 season, the Michigan offense has struggled at times. However, the young unit has improved, thanks in part to the growing connection between Underwood and graduate transfer wide receiver Donaven McCulley. In their last game, a 21–16 victory over Purdue, the Wolverines struggled to produce through the air, and a repeat performance would be disastrous against Northwestern. The Wildcats have improved significantly at the defensive back position and will have a pass rush led by Aidan Hubbard and Anto Saka. If Michigan is to sustain drives and avoid the costly turnovers that have plagued the team, Underwood and McCulley will need to have a big game.
Running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall
Michigan's offensive woes have been masked by the outstanding play of the running back tandem of Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall. The duo has been one of the most productive in the Big Ten this season and will face a Northwestern defense that has been vulnerable against the run. The big question is if Justice Haynes is healthy enough to go. Last year, Michigan's ground game dominated the Wildcats in a 50–6 victory, and a similar performance is needed this Saturday. With the passing game struggling to find its rhythm, the ground game will need to be the focal point of the Michigan offense. If Haynes and Marshall can control the line of scrimmage and produce big plays, they can open up the passing game and put the Wolverines in a position to win.
Offensive Lineman Gregg Crippen and Giovanni El- Hadi
The Michigan offensive line, which lost much of its talent to the NFL, has also struggled at times this season. However, the unit is showing signs of improvement and will need to have its best performance of the season against Northwestern's talented defensive front. Greg Crippen and Giovanni El-Hadi who are projected to start at center and guard, respectively, will need to lead the way. If they can neutralize Northwestern's pass rush and create running lanes for Haynes and Marshall, they will set up the offense for success.
Defensive Players
Defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny and Damon Payne Jr.
Michigan's defense has been a bright spot for the team, and the defensive line is the strength of the unit. Defensive tackles Rayshaun Benny and Damon Payne Jr. have been disruptive forces in the middle and will need to continue their dominant play against Northwestern. The Wildcats have a veteran running back in Cam Porter and an experienced offensive line, but they have struggled to move the ball consistently this season. If Benny and Payne can penetrate the Northwestern offensive line and disrupt the running game, they can force the Wildcats into predictable passing situations, which will create opportunities for the Michigan pass rush.
Conclusion
Michigan is a heavy favorite against Northwestern, but the game is far from a lock. The Wildcats have a tough defense and a number of talented playmakers on offense. If the Wolverines want to continue their push for the College Football Playoff, they will need a number of players to step up and have big games. The offense needs to be more consistent, the running game needs to be dominant, and the defense needs to be its usual disruptive self. If these key players can perform at a high level, Michigan should be able to win comfortably and continue its march towards a championship.