Michigan Football: Can the Wolverines finally win a big game?

Michigan football fans have wondered since the start of the season if the Wolverines could win a big game and after what we have seen so far, can they?

Michigan football fans have certainly enjoyed the Wolverines five-game winning streak, there is no doubt about that. But there is also no doubt that it’s had a hollow, if not meaningless feel to it.

And there is one simple and logical explanation for that — Michigan football fans want to see the Wolverines beat a good team, I mean a really good team, like the one they will face Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Sure, it’s nice to be 3-0 in the Big Ten. However, if Michigan can’t beat teams like Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State or Ohio State, it really won’t matter. The record might look decent at the end of the season, but we are all tired of seeing the Wolverines play in meaningless Florida bowl games.

So the only question that can be asked right now, is can Michigan win the big one? Obviously, we will find out this weekend against Wisconsin, but who wants to wait that long for an answer?

Michigan Wolverines

I am not a big fan of making predictions, yet, there is a reason why the Wolverines are a touchdown favorite going into this game. Michigan has the talent to win this game, on both sides of the ball and unlike last season, the Wolverines also have a quarterback. In short, they have everything they need to beat good, top-25 caliber teams.

Through six games, Michigan has the top-ranked defense in the country. The Wolverines also have the best pass defense in the FBS, to go along with their sixth-ranked run defense and their 10th-ranked scoring defense.

The Wolverines offense is also much better than a season ago. UM ranks 56th in terms of total offense and 30th in points per game with an average of more than 38. Another key is the offensive line.

Last season, Michigan couldn’t block anybody and ranked among the worst teams in the FBS in tackles for loss and sacks. This year, they are 31st in terms of fewest sacks allowed and are also 40th in rushing yards with an average of 199 per game.

Now, the Badgers are no slouch. They have the second-best defense in the Big Ten behind Michigan and the fourth best offense in the Big Ten. Jonathan Taylor also leads the conference in rushing with 169 yards per game and on top of that, Wisconsin also has one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league with Alex Hornibrook.

Wisconsin is a damn good team, but Michigan football is too. And if the Wolverines are ever going to establish themselves as a national program again, they need to start beating teams like the Badgers; they have to start winning big games.

At this point, we know Michigan is capable of winning big games; it just needs to do it. I have no doubt that the Wolverines have what it takes (talent wise), but will they come through when it matters most? The answer to that question won’t come until Saturday when the clock strikes triple zero.