5 predictions for Michigan football against Northwestern

If you forgot that Michigan football even has a game on Saturday, following the commitment of Bryce Underwood, I wouldn't blame you.

But as far as the 2024 season goes, it's pretty important. 5-5 Michigan football will take on 4-6 Northwestern. Both teams need a win to get to a bowl game.

The Wolverines could still win at Ohio State but that's probably going to be a long shot. However, if Michigan could play well against Northwestern and re-estabish some confidence, that will make things much more interesting.

Looking ahead to the Northwestern game, here are five predictions.

A low-scoring game

Michigan football is ranked 116th in scoring offense (20 points per game) and Northwestern is 126th (18th per game). Both teams have solid defenses but they struggle to move the ball.

Northwestern averages less than 300 yards per game. Michigan's defense has played better in the last couple of weeks. Wink Martindale seems to have gotten a feel for calling the college game.

I hope that's the case. Michigan should let the defensive line dominate the next two weeks and basically drop everyone else back in coverage. Use pressures on rare occasions, although we might see it dialed up more on Saturday.

That being said, I don't know that either offense goes off. It's going to be a low-scoring affair and if I was a gambler, I'd lean toward the under.