The Michigan Wolverines will look to save their season Saturday when they take on the Northwestern Wildcats. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Currently the odds for the game have the Wolverines favored by a slim margin in this one.
Northwestern opened as the favorites to pick up the win in this one, but the line has moved to favor Michigan on the road. The Wolverines have a pretty solid defense on the field every game this season, but the offense has been a problem.
The Michigan/Northwestern games have been pretty exciting the past few years, as well. Michigan won both of those contests, having to come from behind in both games. The Wolverines knocked off the Wildcats in three overtimes last year after the field goal unit sprinted on the field and kicked a 44-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons as time expired. Michigan didn't have any timeouts left and had to force the play, but it worked. Michigan would score three times in the extra session. The year before Michigan picked up a 38-31 overtime win at the Big House.
Now, the Wildcats are looking for double revenge. They've also lost 11 of the last 13 games to Michigan and really have to be hurting after last year's loss when the defense could have ended the game multiple times on potential Devin Gardner interceptions. Gardner has been inconsistent all season and Michigan's offense has battled injuries, turnovers (-13 for the season) and a true identity. They had a solid game last week in a 34-10 win over Indiana, but Michigan needs to win two of its last three games overall to be 6-6 and potentially play in a bowl game.
Northwestern has lost three straight games overall to Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The Wildcats season has also spun out of control and they have No. 10 Notre Dame on deck next week. Nothing like playing the Wolverines and Irish in two straight games, eh? QB Trevor Siemian has to play well in and outside of the pocket, not force the issue or turn the football over.
Both defenses are pretty good, so this game could be a lower-scoring contest. Michigan has more talent than Northwestern and if they play with a sense of urgency, they can win the game. Look for the Wolverines to find a way to get to 5-5 with a win here.
Free Pick: Michigan 24, Northwestern 20
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