Overview
- Sportsbooks keep Michigan around a 10–12.5 point favorite with the total near 41.5, and most projections pick the Wolverines by a mid-20s to low-teens margin.
- Michigan leans on its rushing attack — 25 of 32 touchdowns on the ground — with Jordan Marshall expected to shoulder more work in Haynes’ absence.
- Northwestern plans to control tempo with a top-15 time-of-possession profile and a defense allowing about 19 points per game, led by Caleb Komolafe and quarterback Preston Stone.
- Michigan’s availability lists further outs including Cole Sullivan, Evan Link and Hogan Hansen, while linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder are set to play.
- This is the teams’ first meeting at Wrigley Field, where Northwestern has yet to secure a win, with national coverage on Fox featuring Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft.