Gut reactions: Dominant win is what Michigan football needed before Ohio State

The second half of Michigan football against Northwestern was a sight for sore eyes, at least for Wolverines fans.

After struggling to score all season long and even having a few problems with Northwestern in the first half, despite a wire-to-wire win, Michigan football exploded for four second-half touchdowns against Northwestern and 33 points total in a 50-6 win to clinch a bowl game.

That might not seem like much after winning the national title, but it's much better than the alternative. The Wolverines had four rushing touchdowns in the second half. They scored five total and got another offensive touchdown on a TD pass from Davis Warren to Colston Loveland.

Outside of an interception that gave Northwestern the ball near the end zone and one deep pass, the Wildcats didn't do anything. They also failed to score touchdowns on two red-zone chances. Michigan football had six sacks and forced two takeaways.

Warren was 26-of-35 for 195 yards. Mullings ran 12 times for 92 which included a 47-yard run. Edwards had 10 runs for 65 yards and added 17 receiving. Tyler Morris caught seven passes for 64 yards and Loveland had three for 22 and a touchdown. Six different players had at least half a sack led by Josaiah Stewart with two.

It was the perfect recipe to have a chance next week in "The Game" against Ohio State. Here are the gut reactions from a 50-6 blowout win for the Wolverines.

Gut reactions to Michigan football win

• I don't know why the staff waits so long to play Kalel Mullings but that was frustrating. He dominated the second half and he needs 20 carries against Ohio State.

• It was good to see Donovan Edwards score a touchdown. He's been better than people have given him credit for this season and even got a few passes thrown his way. I'm excited to see what Big-Game Don can do next week.

• Wink Martindale has finally adjusted to college football. The defense has been outstanding the past three weeks and should give Michigan fans hope against the Buckeyes.

• Davis Warren threw an interception but look comfortable. The bye week did him and the offensive line some good.

• Northwestern is Northwestern but they were allowing 3.6 yards per rushing attempt coming into the game (114 rushing yards per game) so this was a big step forward for the offensive line.

• Don't scoff at a bowl game. Those practices will matter and so does a winning season.

• Ohio State is a huge favorite but there is reason for optimism after Saturday