In a true Big Ten grudge matchup set for Saturday at Michigan Stadium, the No. 20-ranked Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Wisconsin Badgers. After a bye week, Michigan's offense is looking to find its groove against a stingy Wisconsin defense that ranks first in the nation against the run. With so much at stake, here are three key Michigan players who must step up to secure a crucial home victory.

Offense: Bryce Underwood, Quarterback

All eyes will be on freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood as he takes on the Big Ten's toughest rushing defense. The Badgers have allowed a national-low 200 rushing yards all season, meaning Michigan's elite ground game will face its greatest test yet. The burden will fall on Underwood to beat Wisconsin through the air.

While he only threw for 105 yards in the Wolverines' last win against Nebraska, he also added 61 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Against a stout front seven, his ability to extend plays and make reads in the pocket will be critical. Underwood's potential was a key reason for his top-recruit status, and this game could be his coming-out party as a reliable passing threat for the Wolverines. Chip Lindsey has had some extra time on the bye week to prepare a trick play or two, so let’s see if Michigan utilizes any of those. To that point, for the wolverines to be successful on offense Underwood needs to throw for at least two scores. 

Defense: Derrick Moore, Edge Rusher

With the Badgers' offense looking to control the tempo with a power-running attack led by redshirt freshman Dilin Jones, stopping their ground game will be a top priority for the Wolverines' defense. This sets the stage for senior edge rusher Derrick Moore to dominate. Wisconsin's offensive line is a formidable unit, but Moore's strength and explosiveness off the edge will be a major test.

For the 2025 college football season, Moore has recorded 7 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in four games.  Moore will be tasked with setting the edge and containing Wisconsin's ball carriers, which also include sophomore Darrion Dupree, and redshirt junior Cade Yacamelli. If he, along with newly added to edge Jaishawn Barham and the rest of the front seven can consistently win their individual matchups and force the Badgers into predictable passing situations, it will allow Michigan's opportunistic secondary to make plays.

Special Teams: Dominic Zvada, Placekicker

In a game where there is potential to be a tight, low-scoring affair, special teams could prove to be the deciding factor. That places the spotlight firmly on placekicker Dominic Zvada. In what could be a defensive battle, every point will be at a premium. The Wolverines will need Zvada to be perfect on his extra-point attempts and reliable on field-goal tries.

Should the game come down to a clutch field goal in the fourth quarter, Zvada's performance will be under immense pressure. His poise and accuracy could be the difference between a tough conference win and a disappointing upset loss.  I have said it before and I will say it again, having Zvada is clutch and if the game trends in a closer fashion, he could once again remain the X factor on special teams.