Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a homecoming win over Wisconsin

A desperate Wisconsin bunch marched the opening drive 75 yards for a statement score. Michigan didn't flinch and tied it up with a Justice Haynes touchdown that was sparked by a 43-yard jaunt to the five-yard line.

Defenses took over until Bryce Underwood found Andrew Marsh close to the sidelines for a 32-yard gain. Dominic Zvada drilled a 40-yarder to put the Wolverines on top. Both schools went cold offensively to wrap up the first half.

Michigan's first series of the third failed to connect with points as Zvada missed a chip shot oppurtunity. On their third possession of the quarter, Underwood hit Donaven McCulley, who tipped-toed the boundary to make a circus catch that was originally called incomplete. McCulley's efforts were rewarded when he broke free from defenders and did the rest with his legs from 29 yards out.

In Rod Moore's first game back at the Big House since the game-sealing interception of Ohio State in 2023, he stepped in front of the receiver and Jyaire Hill, who was guarding him tightly enough to call pass interference, to steal the ball out of the skies. On the ensuing series, Michigan's offense stalled on fourth and short, by fumbling the snap.

Chip Lindsey's offense got the ball back and Haynes broke the century mark for the fifth time this season. He closed the drive with his second rushing touchdown and the fat lady was warming up in the Big House.

Here are three of the takeaways from the separating win over the Badgers in a maize out.

1. Michigan's wideouts excelled besides the multiple drops

Donaven McCulley had his most sincere performance in a maize and blue uniform on Saturday. It was his first 100-yard outing since November of 2023. Around the same timeframe, Roman Wilson happened to be the last receiver to go over the 100-yard mark for the Wolverines. With the departure of Fredrick Moore, Andrew Marsh gladly made the most of his disappearance. Semaj Morgan had his problems with drops creep up again, but he can build off the positives and continue to work on the negatives. 14 drops on the season is unacceptable for the group as a whole.

Bryce Underwood registered a career high through the air because of his trio of pass catchers. He would have had more if not for a busted play where Underwood scrambled to the outside and saw a wide open Kendrick Bell, but the ball was a touch too tall for Ronnie Bell's little brother.

Wisconsin's pass defense was not as stingy as its rush defense, but no team has rushed for more on Wisconsin this year than Michigan did on Saturday. This is just the beginning of Luke Fickell's growing concerns. The Badgers may not win another matchup on their schedule.

2. Michigan's defense rendered the Wisconsin offense sluggish

Subtract Dilin Jones from the equation and the Badgers only had 12 yards rushing on the afternoon. Vinny Anthony was the majority of Wisconsin's offense. He notched success against Michigan's cornerbacks with a record day at the office.

Gus Johnson mentioned that Hunter Simmons may have solidified the starting quarterback position for the Badgers, at least until Billy Edwards returns. Simmons and Underwood had nearly identical numbers on completions and attempts, but Underwood and the Wolverines are trending upwards, while Wisconsin and Simmons are heading in the opposite direction.

Michigan's linebackers were in the backfield often because of all the blitzes that Wink Martindale called. Specifically, Ernest Hausmann could have had a sack or two and batted down a pass that was almost intercepted. Zeke Berry returned to the lineup and came close to picking off Simmons, but also bit on a double move that wound up as Wisconsin's longest play of the day.

3. Justice Haynes is barking up the Heisman ladder

The late Tom Harmon, Jamie Morris, Mike Hart, Blake Corum, and every great back in Michigan's illustrious history are in awe of what Haynes has accomplished in such a short amount of time. He's placing his name in the same conversations as these men and shooting up the record lists.

Haynes can continue to top his own lofty feats with his sixth consecutive 100 yard showing at USC next Saturday night under the bright lights of Hollywood. It's been about seven decades since Michigan has invaded the historic Coliseum in Los Angeles. Haynes is destined to steal the show in the city that consumes stars.

So far USC's defense has been allowing 108 yards per, but no back has eclipsed 100 yards against them. Haynes is averaging 131 by himself. His seven yards or so per carry is one of the nation's best for a minimum of 80 carries or more. Ahmad Hardy of Missouri is a few steps ahead of the Alabama transfer.

Haynes will be the focal point for as long as he can stay healthy. He hasn't carried the rock more then 20 times in a game this season, so he should be somewhat fresh as the season grinds on. Jordan Marshall is plenty capable to burden the load, but Haynes is running wild with two starters on the line missing.