Michigan Survives Northwestern Scare, Secures 24-22 Victory
Recap of Michigan vs Northwestern (24-22). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
Michigan Survives Northwestern Scare, Secures 24-22 Victory
Game Result Overview
The Michigan Wolverines narrowly escaped Evanston with a hard-fought 24-22 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday. In a game that saw both teams battle fiercely, Michigan ultimately managed to hold on for the win, showcasing resilience against a determined Northwestern squad.
Key Individual Performances
Michigan's offense was spearheaded by quarterback Bryce Underwood, who threw for 280 yards on 21 of 32 passing attempts. While Underwood didn't connect for any touchdowns, his passing prowess kept the Wolverines in the game. On the ground, Jordan Marshall was a workhorse, racking up 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Andrew Marsh was Underwood's favorite target, hauling in 12 receptions for a massive 189 yards. Bryson Kuzdzal added 53 rushing yards for Michigan, providing a solid complement to Marshall's performance.
For Northwestern, quarterback Preston Stone threw for 184 yards, completing 13 of 27 passes. The Wildcats' rushing attack was led by Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II, who each contributed 31 yards on the ground. Hunter Welcing was the leading receiver for Northwestern, catching four passes for 81 yards.
Defensively, Robert Fitzgerald of Northwestern had a standout game, recording 15 tackles. Braydon Brus added 13 tackles and a sack for the Wildcats. The Michigan defense also had its moments, but Northwestern's defensive efforts kept the game competitive until the final whistle.
Turning Points
Several key plays defined the ebb and flow of this contest. In the 1st quarter, a 36-yard completion from Preston Stone to Griffin Wilde helped Northwestern gain momentum. However, Michigan's running game, particularly Jordan Marshall's 65-yard run in the 3rd quarter, proved crucial. This play put Michigan deep into Northwestern territory and set up a scoring opportunity.
Early in the 2nd quarter, a 60-yard field goal attempt by Northwestern's D. Zvada was no good. Also in the 2nd quarter, Preston Stone connected with Hunter Welcing for a 36-yard completion, putting Northwestern in scoring position. Later in the 2nd quarter, a fumble by Andrew Marsh, recovered by Braydon Brus, gave Northwestern a boost.
In the 3rd quarter, Northwestern's J. Olsen made a 35-yard field goal.
These plays and others ultimately shaped the outcome, with Michigan ultimately holding on for the win.
Looking Ahead
Michigan will look to build on this hard-fought victory as they move forward. They will need to address some issues on defense and maintain consistency on offense. Northwestern, despite the loss, showed they can compete with anyone in the conference. The Wildcats will need to continue improving their offensive efficiency and tighten up their defense to secure more wins in the future.