In a game that started with some unsettling flashbacks to past struggles, the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines ultimately prevailed over the Wisconsin Badgers with a 24–10 victory at Michigan Stadium. While the final score indicates a comfortable win, it was a tale of two halves for the Wolverines, showcasing both their championship potential and the key areas that need immediate attention. With head coach Sherrone Moore back on the sidelines, Michigan showed moments of brilliance but also exposed vulnerabilities that more potent offenses could exploit.

Here are three things Michigan did well and three things they need to work on following their homecoming victory:

The Good: A tale of three strengths

1. The big-play potential of the running game

Despite facing the nation’s top-ranked rush defense, Michigan’s backfield proved they can find explosive plays against anyone. Transfer running back Justice Haynes extended his program record of consecutive 100-yard games with another stellar performance, capped by a critical 43-yard scamper that set up a touchdown. This ability to create instant offense on the ground is a game-changer and a threat few teams can contain. Even when the holes aren't there, Haynes and fellow back Jordan Marshall possess the power and vision to turn short gains into significant chunks of yardage.

2. A ferocious pass rush that dominates the line of scrimmage

Michigan’s front seven was a menace to Wisconsin’s offense, especially in the passing game. Building on their seven-sack performance against Nebraska, the Wolverines' defensive line consistently pressured the quarterback, generating multiple hurries and a key interception. This relentless pressure from players like Jaishawn Barham and Derrick Moore is what makes Michigan’s defense elite. By controlling the trenches, the defense can force turnovers and keep opposing offenses off schedule, neutralizing their ability to sustain drives.

3. Bryce Underwood's second-half resurgence

After a sluggish and conservative start, freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood settled in and showcased the promise that made him a top recruit. He posted a season-high 270 passing yards, highlighted by a clutch 29-yard touchdown strike to Donaven McCulley that put the game away. While his first-half struggles were evident, his ability to bounce back and deliver key plays in the second half is a sign of his growing confidence and maturation. This resilience under pressure bodes well for his future, especially with tougher opponents on the horizon.

The Work-ons: Three areas needing improvement

1. Offensive line consistency

While the running game ultimately found success, the offensive line struggled at times to establish dominance against Wisconsin’s stout front. For much of the first half, the rushing attack was stymied, and pass protection wasn't perfect, either. With an imposing matchup against a physical USC team next week, the line must become more consistent in both phases of the game. Better pass protection is crucial to give Underwood time to operate, and improved run blocking will be necessary to sustain drives against elite defenses.

2. Wide receiver drops and missed connections

For all of Underwood’s impressive moments, his stat line could have been even more remarkable if not for a number of costly drops by his receivers. This issue has plagued the Wolverines all season and continues to be a concern, preventing the passing attack from reaching its full potential. Whether it’s a matter of concentration or chemistry, the receivers must improve their hands to give Underwood reliable options and keep drives alive. Against a defense that was vulnerable to the pass, these miscues were particularly frustrating.

3. Early-game offensive strategy

Michigan started the game with a noticeably conservative approach, especially given Wisconsin’s weakness against the pass. Instead of attacking downfield early, the Wolverines stuck to a run-heavy plan that stalled against the Badgers' nation-leading run defense. This allowed Wisconsin to take an early 7–0 lead and kept the game uncomfortably close through the first half. Moving forward, the offensive play-calling needs to be more dynamic and willing to exploit a defense’s biggest weakness from the opening drive, rather than waiting until the second half to open things up.

While the Wolverines can celebrate a crucial Homecoming victory that keeps them undefeated in the Big Ten, the tape from this game will provide valuable lessons. Addressing these weaknesses against a more challenging schedule, with USC looming, will be the next test for this promising Michigan squad.