Why Michigan Football will beat Wisconsin and why it might not
Why Michigan will win
In previous editions of this article this season, we have looked at three reasons why Michigan football could beat its opponent. But this week, it really comes down to one thing: effort.
I’m not saying that Michigan football is going to turn this thing around just by trying hard, but the Wolverines can’t go through the motions as they did the last two weeks.
In each of the past two games, the Wolverines have come out flat and if that’s the case Saturday, Wisconsin will make mince meat out of them. Indiana and Michigan State both pushed around the Wolverines defense and there’s a good chance the Badgers will do the same.
That’s why we need to see an inspired effort from this team on both sides of the ball. As much as U-M has struggled, this team does have talent, it just needs to find a spark.
My hope is that spark will come by giving younger guys an opportunity. If Vincent Gray gets beat continually, he needs to go to the bench. Andre Seldon and Darion Green-Warren at least deserve a shot if Gray and Gemon Green continue to struggle.
As of right now, Michigan is allowing 287 passing yards per game. The run defense hasn’t been much better and without Aidan Hutchinson, it could struggle too.
Yet, there are four-star recruits all over the field and these guys need to step up and deliver or ride the pine. The offensive line also needs some new bodies and has to find a way to keep Joe Milton up right. That’s probably the only way the Wolverines win this game.
They might be 2.5-point underdogs, but if Wisconsin was fully healthy, it would likely be more. The best hope in this game is Milton. The running game has to be respectable and the offense has got to eat up some time of possession.
If Michigan can move the ball efficiently and maybe even grab a lead, the defense can avoid being on its heels all game. It’s called complimentary football and we haven’t seen it much.
Overall, this team has a ton of little issues that probably aren’t going to be resolved this week. It does have the talent to win this game though and I honestly believe that will only happen if Harbaugh is able to inspire this team to play with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.
The last two games, there hasn’t been any enthusiasm at all and if that’s the case Saturday, the Badgers will win by double digits.