On the tail end of a season that left a lot to be desired, Michigan Football claimed some big wins this week – both on and off the field, that gave fans a reason to smile ahead of Thanksgiving.
It started with the news that broke midday Thursday. After several months of courting and intensifying their efforts, the Wolverines had pulled off the biggest score of the 2024 recruiting cycle: flipping Bryce Underwood.
The Belleville prospect had committed to LSU back in January (a presumed life preserver for Brian Kelly’s uneven season at LSU), but speculation around Underwood’s status had grown in recent weeks – a product of what many perceived as Michigan going ‘all-in’ on making their presence felt as a premier power in the NIL landscape. Thursday, in no uncertain terms, confirmed as much. Now, the kid who plays just 30 minutes away from Ann Arbor is positioned to change the fortune of Wolverines Football in 2025 and beyond.
And, after weathering his first season as head coach with a few dents in the armor, Sherrone Moore now has the most coveted weapon in the sport going forward – all but assuring his future as the leader of the program for the foreseeable future.
That takes us to Saturday. At 5-5, Michigan needed to win at least one of their two remaining matchups to maintain bowl eligibility. Ahead of their season finale – a trip to the Shoe for a showdown with rival Ohio State, the Wolverines welcomed the Northwestern Wildcats to Michigan Stadium on Senior Night.
No need to hold anyone in suspense. Despite their flaws, you’re not likely to beat this Michigan team at the Big House when you turn the ball over on your very first drive…
Northwestern wide receiver Donnie Gray is tackled by a Michigan defender. (Tony Patroske/TPM)
Facing a third and long at their own 41, Wildcats QB Jack Lausch launched a sideline throw that would be intercepted by Aamir Hall near midfield. On the ensuing possession for Michigan, Davis Warren went 4-6 for 24 yards – connecting with Tyler Morris on 3 of 4 completions. The drive ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, who finished the day with 92 rushing yards and a score on just twelve attempts.
Aside from one ill-advised interception by Warren later in the first half, it was one-way traffic for the Wolverines from that point on. The Wolverines would score on eight of their ten possessions for the day – taking it to the house on six of those occasions. A staggering feat when you take into account that Colston Loveland did not appear in the second half due to an undisclosed issue.
“Just working through something,” Moore said at the postgame presser on the absence of Loveland after halftime. “We’ll see what they say when we go see the doctors.”
Last night’s game was also the first time a Michigan quarterback has thrown for more than 150 yards and a touchdown in a win since the season opener against Fresno State. While Davis Warren’s time as the starter for the Wolverines is nearing its end, it’s been a treat to see that both he and the offense as a whole have made some measurable strides from where they were in September after his benching. After the game, he spoke about how another quarterback from Southern California who now plays in the state of Michigan – Jared Goff, has been a valued mentor and peer throughout his journey.
“He texted me after the Texans game. And then going into that – didn’t they beat the Jaguars by 50 the next week? Maybe he should text me every week. That might help him out a little bit,” Warren opined humorously.
“He was there for me when I needed it. Someone to be there for me when I was going through my treatment, and that relationship just kind of grew. It’s been so cool watching him. When I was thrown back in the lineup, I was watching a lot of his throws and understanding how you’ve gotta be a point guard. We can’t move the ball on offense until I get the ball out of my hands.”
As for Northwestern, it’s a hard day at the office anytime you travel to Ann Arbor and can’t keep the pocket clean. The Wildcats went 4-14 on third down while surrendering five sacks for 33 yards to the Michigan defense (a season-high).
After the game, Moore acknowledged the importance of securing a win in the last home game of the year for his seniors, while looking forward to the season finale against the Buckeyes.
“So thankful for our seniors – what they’ve done here. 51-8 record. It’s just awesome to be a part of their growth and maturation. I’m just happy for them to get their last one here in the Big House.”
“It’s everything,” Moore said of the matchup with Ohio State. “In our building, it’s all over the place. We think about it 365 (days). It’s the most important thing to us.”
Final: Michigan 50, Northwestern 6
