Michigan vs. Northwestern football preview

Wolverines host Wildcats in Michigan's home finale

Michigan fans could have used any word to describe last week’s performance against Minnesota.

And this time they would have been positive words. No, the Wolverines weren’t exceptional last week’s 29-6 victory at Minnesota. But they played inspired on both sides, moved the ball pretty efficiently and had more energy to embarrass the Gophers and keep The Little Brown Jug for another year. The offense had somewhat of a breakout party as it collected a season-high 435 yards.

The week after not qualifying for a bowl for the first time in 1974, Michigan arguably played its most complete game.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve ever felt good on a Sunday,’’ Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “That was good and hopefully, it will give us a little bit of confidence going into this weekened.’’

For the Wolverines (3-7, 2-4), they play their second of three consecutive games against teams with at least seven wins. It is senior day as Michigan closes out the home portion of its schedule playing host to Northwestern (7-3, 3-3).

With nothing but pride to play for, the Wolverines are in a position to do some mixing and matching. If starting quarterback Steven Threet is questionable from concussion-like symptoms, expect Nick Sheridan to run the offense.

Little by little Justin Feagin is showing great athleticism and an idea of what could be coming in future years – although verbal commit Shovoderic Beaver from Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider may have something to say about that – with his elusiveness and speed. They will be such a telling factor in this run-oriented spread. He showed a glimpse last week with a 34-yard run against Minnesota.

The defense has not been up to past Michigan standards by allowing nearly 373 yards per game. If it weren’t for the offense committing 26 turnovers, the defense would get a little more praise causing 17 miscues.

Northwestern comes in a little bruised after the 45-10 home thumping it took against Ohio State. After tying the game, 7-7, the Buckeyes scored 38 of the last 41 points.

Although the Wildcats know they are going to a postseason bowl somewhere, the goal for coach Pat Fitzgerald’s team is to regroup and show some passion.

The good news is that quarterback C.J. Bacher, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, may be able to return. Fitzgerald needed to see him run the offense in practice without any setbacks to make the call.

If not, then Mike Kafka comes back for his third consecutive start. Unfortunately, the Wildcat running back situation became more clouded now that backup Omar Conteh is out for the year with a knee injury. That means Northwestern is going by the committee that played against Ohio State including Stephen Simmons, who is expected to start.

What the Wildcats need is a good start. They have been outscored in the first quarter, 57-39. Holding their own at Big House could mean the difference is winning at Michigan for the first time since 1995.

Momentum is an odd factor. Northwestern has been more consistent. Michigan is happy that it can win. The Wolverines are going to have to win for the second consecutive week to show they have at least a semblance of the old Michigan swagger.

Prediction: Northwestern 20, Michigan 17

Notable for the Wolverines & Wildcats:

• Northwestern PK Amado Villarreal has 17 FGs, three shy of tying the single-season school record of 20 set by Brian Gowins in 1997.
• Michigan freshman Martavious Odoms already holds the school record for most receptions in a season by a freshman with 43. He leads the team with 398 yards and needs 110 more to tie Greg McMurtry’s freshman record of 508 set in 1986.

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