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Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from win over Northwestern

By James Costanz

Oct 23, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Erick All (83) and Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrate after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Erick All (83) and Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrate after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ryan Hilinski (12) fumbles in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ryan Hilinski (12) fumbles in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Northwestern puts out another dud

10 months ago, the Wildcats were playing Justin Fields and Ohio State tough to the very end in their quest for a Big Ten Championship. Fast forward to today, and we are seeing a much different season for the Wildcats.

For the 2nd time in three weeks, Northwestern scored just one touchdown against a Big Ten opponent. This is also the 4th time in 7 games in which Northwestern’s defense allowed 30+ points. Last year, they did not allow one team to score more than 30 points against them.

Today was a brutal showing from the Wildcats, as they were unable to find any offensive firepower outside of the long touchdown run by Hull. The drive chart is about as rough as it gets filled with short drives, punts and turnovers.

Defensively was just as bad, as they had no answer for the strong Michigan rushing attack. The matchup was tough as Michigan loves to run, and Northwestern has not proven they can stop the run in 2021.

Pat Fitzgerald has built up a great program that deserves its respect in a tough conference. However, this is a year in which he needs to get back to the drawing board in terms of recruiting.

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