Michigan Football heads back home to the Big House to battle the Purdue Boilermakers. This game is set to kick off at 7:00 EST, as this is Michigan's second consecutive night game, as they are coming off a win against Michigan State.
We saw a lot of good from the running game against Michigan State, even though the passing game was struggling. Overall, the defense played very well and improved significantly from prior road games. In a game that Michigan won convincingly, the Wolverines showed a lot of improvement as a team. They played disciplined for the first time in a while, and it led to a great win on the season.
Road games have been Michigan's downfall this year, as they are now 2-2 on the road this year. Coming back home for this game is a nice break before another two games on the road against Northwestern and Maryland. Both games can be trap games for the Wolverines, but with the way they have been playing, they should be able to come away with wins.
Purdue is 2- 6 on the season and is winless in conference play. The last time these two teams faced off was the 2024 season, where Michigan blew out the Boilermakers 41-13. So, how can Michigan continue the momentum and get a good win?
Roster Depth
The Wolverines are banged up coming into this game on both sides of the ball. Injuries have been a big factor for this team. It seems as soon as they get healthy, someone else gets injured.
One of the biggest injuries that is being reported is Justice Haynes. Michigan's biggest offensive weapon. There have been rumors that he has been walking around in a walking boot but nothing is confirmed. Haynes, who had a great game against Michigan State, fumbled on one of his carries, and it looked like he got up hurt after the play.
It looks like Jordan Marshall will be seeing more carries in this game, but he has been playing just as well in place of Justice Haynes. We already know about Evan Link, as Blake Fraizer will most likely make another start this week.
Michigan will also be missing both starting linebackers, Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder. Cole Sullivan is said to be out for a couple of weeks, and Jimmy Rolder got banged up in the Michigan State game as well.
There is talk of moving Jaishawn Barham back to middle linebacker, but Michigan football does have two young players who can fill those roles. Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng are in line to start unless Barham moves back to linebacker.
Hopefully the Wolverines depth can get them through this game.