Michigan football comes back, makes statement win over Northwestern
Michigan football headed into Week 5 looking to make a statement as a top-15 team but the Wolverines were nearly upset by a hungry Northwestern team.
The Michigan Wolverines were hoping to get a win that could vault them into the top 10 of the latest AP poll, as the loss to Notre Dame looks better on paper with the Fighting Irish offense playing so well.
They traveled to Evanston to face the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wolverines didn’t get off to a hot start as they struggled to move the ball early, and Northwestern made the most of their opportunities.
Less than five minutes into the game all-everything quarterback Clayton Thorson got the Wildcats out to an early lead with a one-yard run.
After kicking a field goal late in the first, John Moten IV was able to score the second Northwestern touchdown of the day by punching in a run from three yards out.
Michigan was finally able to score as Karan Higdon scored a quick touchdown and made it a competitive game again.
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The second half didn’t start with much action as the third quarter saw Michigan’s offense chew up a lot of the clock picking up two field goals. Both scoring drives combined for 10 minutes of the period and allowed the Wolverines to climb back into the game.
The Wolverines passing game continues to be the weak point of this offense, as Shea Patterson finished the game 15-24 for 196 yards.
If the Wolverines offense doesn’t turn things around they could quickly see themselves falling out of the AP Top 25, putting head coach Jim Harbaugh on the hot seat.
The Wolverines get Maryland at home next week and will hope to continue this momentum and keep themselves in the thick of the Big Ten title race.
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What were some things that stood out for you watching this game?