Michigan will play its final home game of the season on Saturday against Northwestern. Here are three key matchups we’ll watch as the Wolverines fight for bowl eligibility against the Wildcats:
With only two games left in the season, Michigan is still trying to pick up a needed sixth win for bowl eligibility. While making a bowl game isn’t what it was before the College Football Playoff for the fans, you still don’t want to see this team finish below .500.
Northwestern has also fallen short of expectations. Head coach David Braun helped the team finish 7-5 in 2023, and many hoped for a similar result this season. Instead, the Wildcats are 2-5 in conference play and 4-6 overall.
Here are the matchups we’re watching as Michigan prepares to host Northwestern.
Michigan red zone offense vs. Northwestern red zone defense
Michigan hasn’t consistently found the end zone on trips to the red zone. Their red zone offense is ranked 80th in the country, throwing for seven touchdowns, rushing for seven, and converting six field goals. They’ll need to capitalize on opportunities within the 20 yard line in this game.
Meanwhile, Northwestern has a top-25 red zone defense this year. The Wildcats have only allowed 10 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns this season, so this will be a challenge for Kirk Campbell and company to put six on the board instead of three.
Michigan secondary vs. Northwestern receivers
Holding Indiana to just 20 points was a major win for Michigan’s defense heading into the bye week, and that success was fueled by the secondary’s ability to make some plays. Zeke Berry came up with a huge interception against Kurtis Rourke, and Brandyn Hillman had some big hits.
Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch is no Kurtis Rourke, as Lausch has thrown only five touchdowns and four interceptions this season, with all four interceptions coming on the road. Still, Michigan can’t let receivers get open and will need to lock down guys like A.J. Henning and Cam Porter to allow the defensive line time to get to Lausch.
Michigan run game vs. Northwestern rush defense
Michigan needs a boost in its run game this week. This isn’t the first time I’ve highlighted Michigan’s rushing attack in key matchups, but it’ll be important again. Northwestern allows 114 yards per game on the ground, and you’d like to see Michigan get above that. Against Indiana, Michigan rushed for just 69 yards — oof. It’ll be interesting to see if the coaching staff uses Kalel Mullings sooner rather than later in this one.
Northwestern has two quality linebackers in Mac Uihlein and Kenny Soares Jr. Uihlein has 65 tackles this season, including 3.5 for loss.Michigan’s offensive line should be able to get some leverage against Northwestern’s defensive line to allow Michigan to pick up some yards on the ground.