Overview
- Kickoff is set for noon ET on Fox from Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where Northwestern is hosting during Ryan Field renovations.
- Official Big Ten availability lists Michigan without safety Rod Moore, running back Justice Haynes and linebacker Cole Sullivan, with linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder cleared to play.
- Northwestern’s report notes numerous absences, including safety Damon Walters and tight end Chris Petrucci, with several others out for the season.
- Betting markets make Michigan roughly a 10–12.5 point favorite with a total near 41.5, pointing to expectations of a lower-scoring matchup.
- Michigan leans on a run-first offense featuring Jordan Marshall as freshman QB Bryce Underwood seeks consistency, while Northwestern enters 5-4 behind a stingy, low-penalty defense; Wrigley’s past one-end-zone rule was scrapped after renovations.