Michigan Football: 5 reasons Wolverines will beat Wisconsin

Michigan should be able to contain the Badgers run game

One of the biggest factors in deciding the winner Saturday night is going to be the running game. Over the past couple of years, Michigan football has really struggled to run against good teams and last season against Wisconsin was another example.

Wisconsin ran 40 times for 182 and a touchdown, while the Wolverines carried the ball just 27 times for 58 yards. It was a miserable performance and a huge factor in the Badgers 24-10 win.

Jonathan Taylor, who leads the Big Ten with 169 yards per game rushing, is the key to the Wisconsin offense and if the Wolverines, who own the Big Ten’s best-run defense, can hem him in, the pressure will fall on Alex Hornibrook to deliver a victory.

Hornibrook couldn’t do it two years ago in Ann Arbor and last season, he went just 9-of-19 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Taylor broke off a 52-yard run against Michigan last season and needs a similar performance if the Badgers want to pull the upset.