5 Bold predictions for Michigan Football against Wisconsin

Groundhog day for pass defense

If you don’t know much about Graham Mertz or if you didn’t watch any of the Badgers win over Illinois, then get ready because the kid is the real deal.

He completed 20-of-21 passes in that win and the only incompletion was a drop. Not only is he really talented, but Wisconsin is loaded with skilled pass catchers led by tight end Jake Ferguson who was unstoppable in the opener with seven catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns.

But Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor are two other skilled receivers and the Wolverines will have their hands full.

It’s always possible that Mertz doesn’t start if he isn’t cleared in time, which could prove to be a break for the Michigan defense, but the pass defense is worrisome either way.

Last week, the Wolverines played the same five defensive backs, even as Indiana routinely beat them over and over again. I think every Michigan fan would love to see some changes back there and that more than scheme adjustment is what I’m looking for.

If the Badgers don’t have Mertz, it will probably make their passing attack less effective, but with all those weapons, it’s hard to see Michigan holding them down all night. It’s just going to be a matter of limiting the damage enough to win the game.