Michigan Football: 5 Things to know about Northwestern

4. Michigan football should have a big day running the football

Michigan has been one of the best running teams in the country this season. The Wolverines are 6th in the country in rushing yards at 246.5 yards per game, however, it has been tougher sledding in Big Ten play.

The Wolverines should be able to boost those numbers against Northwestern. The Wildcats are 119th in run defense and give up 208.2 yards per game. Northwestern is also 93rd in rushing success rate allowed.

Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum have both multiple 100-yard games this season. It would not surprise me if both went for 100 yards, which happened against Washington. However, it would be a great day for Michigan football if it is able to get Donovan Edwards a ton of work. That would likely mean Michigan opened up a big lead and was able to rest its starters.

5. Brandon Joseph is the standout for Northwestern on defense

It has not been a great year for Northwestern defensively, which is usually a stout unit under Pat Fitzgerald.

However, Northwestern has a star in safety Brandon Joseph. Northwestern corner Greg Newsome II was a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and Joseph will likely join him as a high draft pick in 2022.

For the season, Joseph has 40 tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery. Michigan will have to be aware of where he lines up.