Michigan Football: 5 Things to know about Northern Illinois

Michigan football will host Northern Illinois on Saturday and here are five things to know about the Wolverines latest opponent. 

Last week, Michigan football pulled off a dominant 31-10 win over Washington in primetime. On Saturday, Michigan welcomes a different pack of Huskies as it plays Northern Illinois.

Here are five things to know about Northern Illinois.

1. The Huskies already have been tested

Northern Illinois began its season by pulling off an 22-21 upset win over Georgia Tech in week one. The Yellow Jackets are rebuilding, but still it is impressive for a MAC program to go on the road and beat a Power Five opponent. It is even more impressive when you consider that Northern Illinois was winless last season.

Last week back at home Northern Illinois faced Wyoming, a decent Mountain West team. The Huskies lost in a shootout 50-43, but not before a fervent comeback from a 26 point deficit. Michigan football will offer a much bigger challenge than Georgia Tech or Wyoming.

2. The Huskies have a familiar face at QB

The Huskies starting quarterback is Rocky Lombardi, who transferred in from Michigan State this offseason. Lombardi is a name that will not be forgotten by Michigan fans after he torched the Wolverines for 323 yards and three touchdowns in Michigan’s embarrassing loss to the Spartans last season.

Despite his performance against Michigan, Lombardi ultimately lost his starting job to Payton Thorne. Lombardi finished the year completing 53.3% of his passes, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Lombardi has had similar results in his first two games as a Huskie. He is completing 56.6% of his passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Through the first two games of the season, Michigan football looks much improved on defense. I do not expect Lombardi to repeat his performance from last season on Saturday.