The second-to-last home game for Michigan football in the 2025 season will be Saturday night against Purdue.
The Wolverines have a bye week, and two consecutive road games (Northwestern and Maryland) before hosting Ohio State to end the season.
The Wolverines are a 21-point favorite. Purdue hasn't won a Big Ten game yet. Purdue only has one win against an FBS team this season, although they were close in a 27-24 loss to Rutgers last week.
For Michigan, every game is a must-win if they want to make the College Football Playoff. With that in mind, here are five predictions for the Wolverines vs. Purdue.
Jordan Marshall sets a new career high
The redshirt freshman has only carried the ball 20 times or more once this season for Michigan football, but that's about to change.
Marshall is going to see the ball a lot in November. With Justice Haynes injury problems, there's a chance he doesn't suit up for another game. You just don't know.
What we do know is that Marshall has been elite the past two weeks. He had 25 carries for 133 yards against a 6-2 Washington team. Then, followed it up with 110 yards against Michigan State, including a touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Marshall has averaged at least 4.9 yards per carry in his last six games. That doesn't change on Saturday as he sets a career high for rushing yards in his fourth career start.
Bryce Underwood has at least 250 total yards
It's hard to make predictions with Bryce Underwood in mind. Sometimes, he doesn't need to throw the ball that much.
It was accurate to say that about the Michigan State game. However, Underwood still wasn't seeing the field well. There were some missed reads and some missed throws. The pass to Andrew Marsh probably should have been a touchdown instead of a diving catch.
Still, the offense is night and day compared to last season. Underwood is averaging 219 yards per game and has accounted for 11 touchdowns with just two turnovers.
In four home games, Underwood is passing for 246 yards per game and is averaging 283 yards per game. Only two of those games were against Big Ten teams, but Central Michigan and New Mexico each have winning records. UCLA lost to New Mexico.
The point is, against some decent competition, Underwood has been impressive at home. Last season, it might have taken 2-3 games to get to 283 yards total from a QB. Underwood also had one turnover at home, on a clear shot play to Donaven McCulley.
Like most freshman, Underwood is more comfortable at home. He sees the field better and he'll exceed 250 total yards on Saturday. If he gets enough pass attempts, don't be shocked if clears 300 passing yards for the first time. Purdue allows 245 yards per game through the air. The Boilermakers have just two interceptions this season.
Donaven McCulley breaks out
Donaven McCulley doesn't need a breakout game. He's gone over 91 yards twice this season. But after notching at least three receptions in each of the first six games, McCulley caught three passes total the past two weeks.
The former Indiana quarterback drew a pass interference last week on a Michigan State defender. Yet, he only caught one pass. He didn't get many opportunities, as Michigan football only attempted a couple of passes in the second half, literally.
Still, Purdue should be ripe for the picking. The Boilermakers have a decent pass rush (17 sacks) but they don't stop the run that well. And Michigan has run the ball for over 100 yards on every opponent this season.
The running game should open the door to some explosive plays and after two down weeks, McCulley will bounce back. Andrew Marsh has been the focal point. He will have a nice game, too, but McCulley will catch a pass of at least 40 yards and get 100 total.
This game will be close longer than expected
Michigan football has started games slowly this season. Even against New Mexico, there were some nervous moments in that first half before Underwood converted a third-and-14 to set up a touchdown drive.
The Wolverines didn't break a tie against Washington until late in the third quarter. Wisconsin was in the mix at the half. Michigan State was only down 10-7.
Don't be surprised if this is a seven or 10-point game at the half. Purdue has run the ball well this season, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Michigan should be able to limit the Boilermakers; however, U-M could be without two of its top three linebackers.
Michigan has allowed three teams to rush for over 100 yards this season. Wisconsin also had success early in that game. Ryan Browne will be the starting quarterback for Purdue. The offense hasn't been great, but it has improved.
Browne threw for 250 yards and a touchdown (one interception) against Notre Dame. He had 301 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero picks against Illinois. This offense can move the ball, especially if Wink gets too cute, and Michigan subs too many guys.
Purdue shouldn't win this game, but it might make it interesting for a half.
Jyaire Hill gets an interception
The third-year cornerback has been stellar this season for Michigan football. There was some chatter this offseason about him being an early entrant into the NFL draft, and this hasn't been dispelled at all.
Hill has five pass breakups so far this season to go along with eight in 2024. Hill doesn't have an interception yet. He should, though. He's dropped a likely pick-six in each of the past two weeks.
We probably won't see Hill get another golden opportunity like that this week. Yet, Browne has seven interceptions. So there's a good chance Hill gets a ball thrown his way, and Hill is due to intercept one.
Michigan vs. Purdue prediction
Michigan's offensive line will win the battle of the trenches. Marshall, Underwood, McCulley, and Marsh are the four best skill players. They will each shine as the Wolverines win, 34-10.