After a second bye week, Michigan football has two games left on the schedule. The Wolverines will host Northwestern Saturday in a critical game.
Not only does Michigan football need to beat Northwestern to ensure a bowl berth, but it will also give the Wolverines confidence going into the Ohio State game. If there is any chance of pulling an upset next week, Michigan has to win this week.
Northwestern (4-6) is still alive for a bowl game too and they would love to knock off Michigan. The Wildcats lost 31-7 at home to Ohio State. Their offense averages just 18 points per game (126th in the FBS) but they are 52nd in scoring defense allowing just 22 per game.
QB Jack Lausch has been solid with five touchdwon passes compared to four interceptions. He's also completing 54 percent of his passes. The Wildcats don't have star players but they will be motivated and their bowl chances improve a lot with a win.
It's also worth noting that both of Northwestern's Big Ten wins this season have come on the road, against Purdue and Maryland, in a game the Wildcats won by 27. If you can beat a Big Ten team on the road by 27, that's something and Michigan football needs to be ready.
Here's a look at the odds, how to watch, and a prediction.
Michigan football vs. Northwestern odds
According to DraftKings, Michigan football is a 10-point favorite against Northwestern. The over/under is 36.5 points. The moneyline for Michigan is -425 and +300 for Northwetern.
Michigan vs. Northwestern How to watch
Date: November 23d
Game Time: 3:30 PM EST
Venue: The Big House
How to Watch: Fox Sports 1 | Fubo TV
Michigan football vs. Northwestern Prediction
Both teams might struggle to score points in this one. However, if Davis Warren is ever going to have a standout performance this would be a great week for one.
The Wolverines have had two weeks two rep with him as the starter. I'd like to see some offensive line improvement too and maybe even some younger guys playing.
Running the ball would be great, but the offense is averaging just 4.3 yards per carry and under 160 yards per game. Teams are loading the box and Michigan isn't good enough up front to plow through it.
Warren just needs to play a clean game. He's probably better than the quarterback across from him, maybe for the first time all season and the Michigan defense shouldn't allow much, if anything.
The defense was exceptional against Indiana. If it plays that way on Saturday and next week in Columbus, the Wolverines will have a shot at going 2-0.
Prediction: Michigan 24, Northwestern 13