At 7-2 (5-1 Big Ten), the Michigan Wolverines control their own College Football Playoff destiny. The road includes a tough challenge against No. 1 Ohio State, but head coach Sherrone Moore isn't looking that far ahead.

Oft-overlooked Northwestern stands in the way of Michigan's fourth consecutive victory, and Moore has been careful not to make the same mistake that Penn State did last month. The Wildcats are 5-4 (3-3 Big Ten), and a large part of their success has come from controlling the line of scrimmage and time of possession.

During his weekly press conference, Moore praised NU's ground game and blocking strengths.

"Up front, I'm just telling you, their O-line works really well together," Moore said. "They're big, they're physical and they're all older. They're grads and one redshirt freshman. They all play physical, they all play well together. And that back, No. 5, man, he's good. He's a really good player. He's got great vision, great speed."

'That back' is redshirt sophomore Caleb Komolafe, who initially committed to Northwestern as a three-star safety in 2022 and sparsely saw the field until this season. However, Cam Porter's season-ending injury created an opportunity for Komolafe to emerge as the Wildcats' bell-cow running back.

Since taking over as the full-time starter against UCLA, Komolafe ranks third in the Big Ten with 576 rushing yards and is tied for the league lead with seven rushing touchdowns. He has been a physical bruiser, compiling 328 yards after contact (4th in B1G) and forcing 19 missed tackles (T-4th). But Komolafe has also exhibited breakaway speed, generating 12 runs of more than 10 yards (T-4th) and picking up 33 first downs (3rd).

Moore claimed that Komolafe is "as good as we've seen," some high praise among a conference that produces elite rushing talent.

As great as Komolafe has been, though, he could not have played like he has without the effort of the big guys up front. Led by All-Big Ten left tackle Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern's offensive line has been one of the best units in the nation this season. Among the 136 FBS teams, the 'Cats rank No. 12 in Pro Football Focus' pass blocking grade and No. 13 in run blocking grade.

To the right of Tiernan are redshirt freshman Ezomo Oratokhai and three graduate students — Jackson Carsello, Evan Beerntsen and Martes Lewis. Carsello has risen from a reserve player to a Rimington Trophy candidate, given to the best center in college football, while Beerntsen (South Dakota State) and Lewis (Minnesota) each transferred into Evanston with loads of experience.

The group has contributed to the fifth-best rushing offense in the Big Ten and boasts the 13th-best time of possession margin in the country. Northwestern's offensive line has kept quarterback Preston Stone upright, as the starting five has allowed five sacks and six QB hits all season.

Moore knows what a strong offensive line and running game looks like, having won the 2023 National Championship as Michigan's offensive coordinator. If Northwestern is able to pull off an upset against the Wolverines on Saturday, it'll need a big day from Komolafe and the Wildcats' ground attack.

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