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.
Make Wisconsin one-dimensional
Billy Edwards might be able to play for the Badgers. The former Maryland transfer brings something with his legs and is more talented than Danny O'Neil, who has five touchdown passes and five interceptions this season for Wisconsin.
When Fickell became the head coach, Wisconsin changed to a spread offense under Phil Longo. That was a disaster. The Badgers are now trying to go back to more of a run-based offense, which hasn't worked either.
The Badgers are averaging just 3.1 yards per attempt. Starting running back Dilin Jones is averaging 4.4 yards on 35 attempts. Darrion Dupree is also getting 4.1 yards per attempt. Michigan has been stout against the run. Only Oklahoma, with John Mateer running the ball, did any damage against Michigan football on the ground, and as long as that continues, it should be tough for Wisconsin to move the ball, let alone score.
Don't handcuff Bryce Underwood
Outside of special teams, which has been a struggle for Michigan football, the one concern is the Wisconsin pass rush. The Badgers have 10 sacks so far this season. The Wolverines are running for more than 200 yards per game.
The run blocking was much better against Nebraska. Yet, Nebraska has a weak defensive line. We'll see if the pass protection holds up against Wisconsin.
Either way, Michigan can't get lulled into being too conversative. Let Underwood throw the ball early and often. Let him run. Don't force the running backs to run into a loaded box.
Michigan should able to throw the ball with ease on Saturday, especially if tight ends Hogan Hansen and Marlin Klein are healthy. Underwood stood out against Central Michigan, but the Wolverines kept him under wraps against Nebraska and Oklahoma.
The freshman didn't have to do much against Nebraska. He had 61 rushing yards and a 38-yard touchdown run, but he only threw for 105 yards. It would be nice to see him have a big day against a Big Ten opponent.
Hopefully, he will get the chance.