Northwestern University and the University of Michigan are set to face off in a highly anticipated football game on Saturday, with both teams vying for different goals. Northwestern, currently 5-6, needs a victory to keep its hopes of bowl eligibility alive, while Michigan, 8-3, looks to solidify its position in the Big Ten East division and potentially earn a berth in a New Year's Six bowl game.
Despite a disappointing 1-5 start to the season, Northwestern has rallied to win four of its last five games, including a thrilling overtime victory over Nebraska last weekend. The Wildcats are now 5-6 overall and 3-4 in Big Ten play, putting them in contention for a bowl berth. However, they must defeat Michigan in order to keep their hopes alive.
Northwestern vs. Michigan 2024: Wildcats Seek Bowl Eligibility Amidst Wolverines Rivalry
Northwestern's offense has been inconsistent this season, but it has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan has thrown for 1,725 yards and 12 touchdowns, while sophomore running back Evan Hull has rushed for 863 yards and six touchdowns. The Wildcats will need their offensive firepower to be at its best against a stout Michigan defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, Northwestern has allowed an average of 27.5 points per game this season. The Wildcats will be challenged by a Michigan offense that ranks among the best in the nation, led by senior running back Blake Corum and junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Michigan enters the game as a heavy favorite, coming off a 24-16 victory over Illinois last weekend. The Wolverines are 8-3 overall and 6-2 in Big Ten play, putting them in second place in the East division behind Ohio State.
Michigan's offense has been explosive this season, averaging 38.6 points per game. Corum, the reigning Big Ten Running Back of the Year, has rushed for 1,238 yards and 15 touchdowns, while McCarthy has thrown for 2,236 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Wolverines also boast a talented wide receiver corps, led by junior Ronnie Bell and sophomore Cornelius Johnson.
Michigan's defense has been equally impressive, allowing an average of just 15.6 points per game. The Wolverines are led by senior linebacker Junior Colson, who has recorded 71 tackles this season.
The Northwestern-Michigan rivalry is one of the oldest in the Big Ten, dating back to 1892. The teams have met 96 times overall, with Michigan holding a 59-31-6 advantage. The Wildcats have won three of the last five meetings, including a 17-10 victory in Evanston last season.
Michigan is heavily favored to win the game, but Northwestern has shown that it can be a dangerous opponent when it plays with confidence. If the Wildcats can control the time of possession with their running game and force Michigan into some mistakes, they have a chance to pull off the upset. However, the Wolverines' superior talent and experience should ultimately prevail.
