Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from the rejuvenated win over Northwestern

3. The program's momentum is exuberant

A week out from the most consequential game of the year and Michigan football is surging on and off the field. First was the Bryce Underwood commitment, and then was this win, which qualified Michigan for the postseason. 6-5 is not where anyone wants to be right now, but what other team in the country can say they are soaring in the right direction the way the maize and blue are?

They are hitting their stride at the perfect time with the Buckeyes on tap. I'm not saying they are going to win next Saturday, but they are on a roll right now and we have to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. This win was much-needed on several levels. Although it was only Northwestern, it shows the capability of what this preseason top 10 ranked team could have been.

The Wolverines head into Columbus looking for its first two game win streak there and fourth overall since the late 80, early 90s. The winged helmets haven't won four straight over the Buckeyes since before Desmond Howard was wearing the colors. The last time an unranked Michigan squad beat Ohio State was 31 years ago in Ann Arbor in a shutout. Five years to the date of next Saturday's confrontation was Ohio State's most recent win in the series. It is Ryan Day's lone win over Michigan.