5 things we learned from Michigan football win over Northwestern

This team is capable of scaring Ohio State

Putting a scare into Ohio State is much different than winning in Columbus for the second time since 2000. There's a reason very few Michigan football teams have done it.

That 2022 team was special. It was one of the best teams in program history. You also need a special quarterback to win there. The last three have been Brian Griese, Drew Henson, and J.J. McCarthy.

That being said, the Michigan defense is salty and after clinching a bowl game, this team has nothing to lose. The Wolverines will want to avoid a losing season, but beating Ohio State would salvage a disappointing season and would be one hell of a way for guys like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to end their careers -- assuming they go pro after the season along with many others.

Michigan will need to be able to run the ball, which has been a struggle this season. But if the Wolverines can establish the run, play defense like they did on Saturday and avoid turnovers, they could maybe get to the fourth quarter within striking distance.

Donovan Edwards still has it

One of my favorite things from Saturday's win was the 22-yard touchdown run from Edwards. He hasn't quite lived up to the hype of being on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25 but he's still averaging 4.7 yards per rushing attempt this season.

Edwards accounted for 82 yards on 14 touches Saturday. That's the kind of game you expected all season. I wish that he would have been thrown the ball more or split out wide more. Edwards in the slot would have been dangerous.

Maybe the coaches will finally pull that out this week. It would be great to see Big-Game Don make one more appearance but over the past three weeks, he has started to look like himself again.