It's officially rivalry week. After weeks of wondering if Michigan football could reach "The Game" with a 9-2 record and a shot at the College Football Playoff, the Wolverines answered that question emphatically against Maryland.
For for the first time since the Washington game, Michigan dominated an opponent and shut the door early. It was the fourth road win of the season in Big Ten play. The Wolverines won four of their five conference road games, which is impressive with a true freshman quarterback.
Looking back, before we look ahead to Ohio State, here's what we learned from the Wolverines 45-20 win over Maryland on Saturday.
Michigan can play mistake free
If the Wolverines are going to beat Ohio State, they need to play mistake-free football. Outside of one errant throw by Bryce Underwood, Michigan did that.
The Wolverines missed one field goal. However, there weren't any turnovers. They forced a takeaway and only had four penalties, although the offsides drove me crazy.
There were two sacks given up, but few negative plays. With a third-string running back, you couldn't ask from a better showing from the offense (443 total yards, 45 points).
Michigan needed to be sharp going into "The Game."
Mission accomplished.
The Special teams can make a positive contribution
Special teams haven't been special this season. But on Saturday, Marsh returned a kickoff out to the 45, on top of a 17-yard punt return. He's a weapon anytime he touches the football.
It's an injury risk, but this is "The Game." A big return could change the outcome, so it was good to see Marsh get more confidence.
Zvada made his last kick of the game. Chase Taylor made a heaps up recovery, and like the rest of the team, it was a confidence-building performance for the special teams.
The offense is peaking
During Michigan's five-game winning streak, the Wolverines have averaged 423 yards per game. In the last two games, they have averaged 469.
Michigan has gone over 400 yards in three of five games, while getting 398 and 367 in the other two. Michigan football also averaged 29 points per game.
The offense should have produced more points with all of those yards, yet, it feels like the offense turned a corner the past two weeks. Ohio State will be the best defense the Wolverines have faced this season.
Yet, the same will be true for Ohio State when it comes to Michigan's defense. And, while Ohio State fans like to joke about Michigan's offense the Wolverines are the best offensive team the Buckeyes have faced, too.
During this five-game winning streak, Michigan is rushing for 232 yards per game, with a high of 276 and a low of 187 against Washington. The Wolverines didn't even have their best running back during that stretch and won't on Saturday.
The good news is that Jordan Marshall might be the second-best running back in all of college football. With the running game, a confident Bryce Underwood and the most productive receiver in the Big Ten over the past seven games (Andrew Marsh), there are reasons to feel good about this offense going into the Ohio State game.
Zach Marshall has earned Underwood's trust
Speaking of the offense, another player who has emerged down the stretch, but isn't getting talked about enough is Zach Marshall.
The blocking has really improved. He's also earned the trust of Bryce Underwood with 15 receptions this season for 195 yards and a touchdown. He emerged first in the Washington game with five receptions for 72 yards. On Saturday, he had two for 30, including a 20-yard reception up the seam.
It was the third time in five games he's had over 30 receiving yards. Marshall also has at least two receptions in four of his last five games. Outside of Marsh and Donaven McCulley, he's been Underwood's most trusted target.
Bryson Kuzdal will have a role in the future
The running back room is going to be loaded in 2026. Justice Haynes is probably heading to the NFL. That might need to happen to make room for all the talent.
Marshall will be back. Then, you have the best running back in the 2026 class, and quite possibly the best recruit in the entire 2026 class, Savion Hiter coming in.
Hiter is one of the most talented running backs Michigan has ever recruited. Then, you had Kuzdal, who just rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns in a Big Ten game, and there will be more than enough talent.
Also, forget about next season, Kuzdal will be needed on Saturday. Michigan would probably love to run the ball about 40 times. He will get some carries, and it will be a chance for the Michigan kid to have his moment against the Buckeyes.