There’s not much to complain about after Michigan decidedly took care of business. Still, here are our three winners and three losers from the win over Northwestern:
This was a fun final home game for the Michigan Wolverines, winning 50-6 over Northwestern. Despite a few hiccups early in the second quarter, Michigan’s offense put together a successful two-minute drill to go up by two scores heading into halftime. The defense looked fantastic, holding Northwestern to less than 130 yards of total offense. Dominic Zvada hit a 56-yard field goal and a 28-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.
I mean it when I say, it’s hard to criticize a team when it wins by more than 40 points, but here are three winners and three losers from Michigan’s game against the Wildcats.
Winner: Michigan run game
Michigan’s successful run game was a team effort on Saturday. The Wolverines had 201 yards on the ground thanks, in part, to improved blocking from the offensive line.
Kalel Mullings led the team with 92 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Donovan Edwards picked up one touchdown and 67 yards on 10 carries. Tavierre Dunlap even got points on the board when he ran 20 yards for a touchdown. It was a dominant performance from everyone involved.
Loser: Davis Warren
Overall, Davis Warren didn’t have a bad day. But his one mistake — an interception early in the game — was really bad. It was his first turnover since Week 3, so he’ll have to prioritize protecting the ball even more with Ohio State looming.
Winner: Michigan’s defense
The defense finally looked like we thought it would all season. Michigan gave up long drives early in the season to Fresno State and Arkansas State as it adjusted to their new identity with Wink Martindale. Still, the entire unit looked dominant against Northwestern. The defense allowed just 10 rush yards and 117 passing yards, while compiling six sacks, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions and a safety.
Loser: Punt coverage
Michigan only punted once in this game, but after a 48-yard punt from Tommy Doman, A.J. Henning returned it for 27 yards. At that point, the game was still close. The Wolverines had a chance to pin the Wildcats inside the 20 yard line. Instead, Northwestern started a drive on its 46 yard line and capped it off with a field goal.
Winner: True Freshmen
Michigan’s true freshmen had an opportunity to show off in this one. Safety Mason Curtis already showed sparks this season, but made a nice play on the ball to pick up his first career interception.
Michigan true freshman Mason Curtis with his first career interception! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/fnd6bYoXUD
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) November 23, 2024
Jordan Marshall had a huge 63-yard return in the fourth quarter and picked up 22 yards on seven rush attempts. We also got to see Micah Ka’apana and Jadyn Davis on the field for the first time this season.
Loser: Michigan fans
Yesterday was likely one of the last times we saw some of these Wolverines play in the winged helmet. It’s been a frustrating season at times, but it’s still been exciting to watch Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart work on the defensive line, or Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards run the ball into the end zone. So all of us fans lose having to say goodbye to these players.
Who are your winners and losers after Michigan’s dominant performance? Let us know in the comments!