For the first time this season, Michigan football will be featured on Big Noon Kickoff as the Wolverines get set to host Wisconsin on Saturday.
It's been four years since Michigan football played Wisconsin, but there is a healthy rivalry between the two programs.
Luke Fickell and the Badgers have fallen on hard times. They are 2-2 on the season but scored one offensive touchdown in each of their past two games. Wisconsin will probably be without preferred starting quarterback Billy Edwards, once again.
Danny O'Neil is likely to get the start. Wisconsin is coming off a bye week, so it's possible Edwards is ready, but either way, this Wisconsin offense has a lot to prove. The defense isn't great either.
Wisconsin has been stout against the run. The Badgers allowed the fewest yards per game (50) and yards per attempt in college football (2.1). Will that hold up against Michigan football?
We answer that question and offer five bold predictions for Michigan vs. Wisconsin.
Bryce Underwood will throw for 300 yards
The Badgers are giving up 234 passing yards per game and allowing opposing quarterback to connect on 63 percent of their passes. Wisconsin gave up 382 yards in the air against Alabama, despite notching five sacks. Wisconsin has 10 sacks in four games.
Michigan might not have the wide receiver talent of Alabama. The offensive line also needs to prove it can hold up against the pass rush, but Underwood should thrive. Maryland freshman Malik Washington threw for 265 in Madison.
Michigan will surely run the ball more and more effectively than Alabama or Maryland, however, fresh off a bye week, it feels like the perfect time for Underwood to throw for 300 yards.
Justice Haynes will have another 100-yard game
This might not seem like a a bold prediction. The Michigan football running back has started his career with four consecutive 100-yard games, becoming the first Wolverine to ever do that.
Justice Haynes is also coming off a 149-yard effort in the Big Ten opener against Nebraska. Haynes has had a run of at least 55 yards in three of four games. The former five-star recruit already has two runs of 75 yards or more.
Haynes has had at least a 20-yard run in every single game this season. He'll find a way to create an explosive play or two against Wisconsin. The Badgers run defense is good. However, they haven't faced a run offense that ranks in the top 90 at this point.
Wisconsin's pass defense has also been so pour, teams are just taking to the air. Michigan will be able to run the ball, and throw it. It will be a struggle for Haynes to get 100 yards, and but one explosive run or two will get the job done.
Donaven McCulley gets 100 yards
The 6-foot-5 wide receiver wearing No. 1 has had a 100-yard game in Big Ten play before, back in 2023, when he caught 11 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns against Illinois.
McCulley also had a 96-yard game in the 2023 season against Penn State. So he can produce against good teams. The Indiana transfer hasn't had a breakout game yet.
However, if Underwood is going to threaten 300 yards passing on Saturday, his No. 1 target is going to need to have a big day. Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen, if healthy, should make an impact, too. Channing Goodwin and Semaj Morgan should be licking their chops, along with freshman Andrew Marsh.
McCulley has at least three receptions in every game this season. But he's only gone for over 40 yards against Oklahoma. That changes on Saturday. He'll catch his first long pass since the Sooners' game, score his first touchdown as a Wolverine, and reach the 100-yard mark for the second time in his career.
Michigan comes up with two interceptions
Michigan football is forcing two turnovers per game. The Wolverines have six interceptions in four games, which doesn't bode well for a Wisconsin team that has struggled to protect the ball.
Danny O'Neil has five interceptions in four games. Facing a Michigan front that just had seven sacks and over 30 pressures against Nebraska, the former San Diego State transfer will be under heat all game.
Don't expect much from the Wisconsin running game either. The Badgers are churning out just 3.1 yards per attempt. Michigan's run defense has limited three of four opponents to under 100 yards. Only Oklahoma, with dual-threat QB and Heisman favorite, at least before his injury, John Mateer, went over.
Danny O'Neil isn't that. He's got to get hit. A lot. Eventually, that will lead to a ball popped into the air for an interception. Rod Moore will be back and likely 100 percent after playing against Nebraska, and getting a week of rest.
The secondary is as healthy as it's been. Zeke Berry could even be back this week, and with the constant pressure Michigan's front should apply, the Wolverines will notch two interceptions.
Wisconsin won't score a touchdown
The Badgers have only scored one offensive touchdown in each of the past two games. Yet, Michigan's defense is much better than Maryland's. I'd say it's better than Alabama's too.
Nebraska was able to create some big plays in the last game. However, that took an elite quarterback and some wide receiver talent that Wisconsin doesn't have. The Badgers, when they were among the best programs in the Big Ten, had a dominant running game, an elite offensive line, and a stellar defense.
The quarterback was usually just a guy. Yet, he was surrounded by quality pieces. Those pieces just aren't there for Wisconsin right now. Michigan is a 16.5-point favorite but in some ways, that feels generous.
Wisconsin didn't always have the most talent. But it had an identity. It had a brand. Now, that's gone too and Michigan won't allow the Badgers to reach the end zone Saturday.
Prediction
Wisconsin's defense will do its best to keep the score respectable. There will be some red-zone stops. Michigan will kick a couple of field goals. Yet, Underwood throws for two touchdowns, Haynes goes over 100, and Michigan's offense has its most complete effort of the season.
Score: Michigan 34, Wisconsin 6