Michigan football is one win away from playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff against Ohio State.
The Wolverines might need some help to make the 12-team field. However, if the Wolverines beat Maryland on Saturday, and Ohio State next week, it's hard to see them being left out.
Whether Michigan can beat Ohio State or not is a fair question. The Buckeyes look better suited to beat the Wolverines, plus U-M might not have either of its elite running backs.
Justice Haynes is out for the season if you believe Gus Johnson. Sherrone Moore pushed back on that this week, but it doesn't seem like Jordan Marshall will be back this week, although it sounds like the plan is to get him back for Ohio State.
The Wolverines can't overlook Maryland. The Terps have lost six games in a row, but could still make a bowl game and save their season with a win over Michigan.
With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for Michigan vs. Maryland.
Bryce Underwood will play a clean game
Some fans might not want to hear it, but Bryce Underwood was really close to having a good game in each of the past two weeks. I understand that he turned the ball over five times.
However, the first three quarters last week were some of Underwood's best this season. He still accounted for over 300 total yards and led Michigan football on a game-winning drive in the last two minutes.
Facing a third-and-10 with two minutes left, Underwood was pressured, and while moving to his left, against his body, threw a dart to Andrew Marsh for 21 yards. He also ran for a first down to get Michigan into field goal range.
Underwood made the freshman mistake of starting down his receiver on the first interception. On the second, he got baited on an RPO. My guess is that he'll learn from those mistakes, just like he will learn not to throw across his body in traffic like he did against Purdue.
Maryland is good at forcing interceptions. The Terps have 18. They also have 27 sacks, which is worrisome because the offensive line has struggled in that area. Yet, the Terps also got one sack against Nebraska, so it's not consistent.
My guess is that Michigan comes out throwing due to defense overplaying the run, and Underwood is as sharp as he's been all season. Maybe that's optimistic, but he's been close. He needs to put four quarters together, and he will against the Terps, who give up 221 passing yards per game.
Bryson Kuzdal goes for 100 yards
This would qualify as a bold prediction. Yet, Kuzdal had some solid runs against Northwestern. He probably missed some reads, but after more film study and practice reps this week, the former walk-on will have his first 100-yard game as a Wolverine.
Maryland allows 171 rushing yards per game. The Terps allow 4.3 yards per attempt, and if there is one thing Michigan's offensive line is good at, it's run blocking.
Kuzdal won't be as prolific as Marshall. We won't see a 60-yard run, but he'll grind out a solid day with around 20 carries as Marshall rests up for "The Game."
Michigan has multiple sacks
That might not seem like a bold prediction. Against Maryland, it is. The Terps have only allowed four sacks all season, which is the second fewest in college football. Malik Washingon is good at getting rid of the ball. He's also started running more in recent weeks.
The Terps don't run the ball well, or even run that much. They have also lost their last three games by double digits, so it's hard to see how they have avoided sacks.
Derrick Moore, who will be back in his home state, will get at least one sack on Saturday. Michigan football will find a way to get one more, which will qualify as a good day against Maryland.
No special teams gaffes
If Andrew Marsh sticks as the punt returner good things will happen. He's more natural catching the ball. Even if he doesn't have any return yards, just catching the ball will save Michigan yards. In some cases, it will save points.
Semaj Morgan is too big a a risk to be on the field right now. The coaching staff needs to see that. Dominic Zvada also seems to be going through something. He did make the game-winner last week, and that will carry over to this week.
If Michigan is going to upset Ohio State, it needs Zvada in top form.
Max Bredeson scores a touchdown
The Wolverines started using Max Bredeson as a pass protector last week. He's a fullback/tight end, so he doesn't see the ball much and dropped the last pass I remember going his way.
However, Bredeson is a gamer. If he gets another chance, he'll take advantage of it. Whether it comes as a runner or receiver, he'll hit paydirt against Maryland.
Michigan vs. Maryland prediction
Taking an optimistic view, this game reminds me of the 2021 Maryland game. Michigan had some close calls before that, including against Indiana. This was also after the loss to Michigan State, too.
The Wolverines dominated that game and used that momentum to help start the winning streak over Ohio State. Michigan found a way to roll after a close win over Penn State, and maybe history wil repeat itself on Saturday.
Michigan 31, Maryland 16.