Overview
- Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (11 a.m. CT) on Fox from Wrigley Field in Chicago.
- BetMGM lists Michigan as roughly an 11 to 12.5-point favorite with a total around 41.5, reflecting expectations for a lower-scoring game.
- Michigan has leaned on its ground game this season, while freshman QB Bryce Underwood has been inconsistent in recent weeks after an interception and a fumble against Purdue.
- Injuries shape Michigan’s plan, with RB Justice Haynes out and Jordan Marshall poised for a heavy workload as several defenders are listed questionable.
- Northwestern enters 5-4 with a ball-control offense and a top-25 pass defense, and after Wrigley’s renovations the old same-end-zone rule is gone as the Wildcats look to end an 0-5 mark at the venue.