For the first time since 2021, Michigan football will square off against Wisconsin on Saturday. The Wolverines and Badgers are each coming off a bye week.
Michigan football won its Big Ten opener against Nebraska. Wisconsin was drubbed by Maryland to fall to 2-2 on the season. Luke Fickell is squarely on the hot seat.
A win over 20th-ranked Michigan would help ease some of the pressure. It won't be easy though. The Badgers have a decent defense, although they aren't very good at defending the pass.
The run defense looks good on paper. However, teams have been able to throw the ball with ease, so it feels more like situational than an elite run defense.
Looking ahead to the fifth game of the season for Michigan football, here are the three most important keys for the Wolverines to win on Saturday.
Run the ball
Wisconsin is allowing 234 yards per game through the air. The Badgers have allowed just 2.1 yards per attempt and 50 yards per game.
The Wolverines need to attack Wisconsin through the air. Michigan will have to prove that it can beat man coverage, which it has struggled to do this season, but the Wolverines also need to establish the run, even against a tough run defense.
You want the offense opened up with Bryce Underwood, but that doesn't mean throwing on every down. Michigan should be able to run on anyone, even Wisconsin. It will be a test for the offensive line. It will also be interesting to see if Underwood is more involved in the running game. Even if he's not, Michigan needs to be able to run the ball, at least if it wants to avoid a closer game than expected against the Badgers on Saturday.