If Michigan’s offense needed a reset in Saturday’s game, then boy did it not get one.
The 18th-ranked Wolverines escaped Northwestern with a walk-off field goal to win, 24-22, at Wrigley Field following a performance that left a lot to be desired. Michigan racked up 496 yards of offense but committed five turnovers, enabling Northwestern to take the lead late.
Up 21-16 in the early parts of the fourth quarter, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was picked off by Northwestern defensive back Braden Turner for a 29-yard return down to the Wolverines’ 6-yard line. The Wildcats scored immediately when Caleb Komolafe ran it home, making it 22-21.
Underwood led the Wolverines 45 yards downfield, looking poised to score before he was once again picked off — this time by Robert Fitzgerald. Fortunately for Underwood and the Wolverines, Northwestern went three-and-out.
Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone runs towards the sidelines as Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann chases him towards the sidelines. (Damien Dennis/TPM)
But unfortunately for Michigan, they turned the ball over yet again on their ensuing drive when Bryson Kuzdzal fumbled the ball at Northwestern’s 25-yard line. The Wildcats began the drive with some promise, but a holding call on 2nd-and-10 pushed them back ten yards. A tackle for a loss of three had the Wildcats looking at 3rd-and-23 with 2:54 left.
The Wolverines began the final drive of the game with 2:10 left on the clock. Michigan nearly stalled out facing 3rd-and-10 at their own 37. Underwood tossed a pass to Andrew Marsh down the sideline in what was ruled a catch and confirmed after review with shades of Indiana’s win over Penn State. The 21 yard reception saved the Wolverines’ drive and likely their playoff hopes too.
Michigan got down to the Northwestern 13-yard line and managed to drain the clock while doing so. The game came down to Dominic Zvada who had missed two field goals on the day already. He put the ball through the uprights from 31 yards to seal the win.
But the Wolverines didn’t just struggle in the fourth quarter. It was a problem all game.
After a scoreless opening frame, Michigan struck first when Jordan Marshall scored from a yard out. Northwestern answered on its with a 34-yard field goal from Jack Olsen. He would kick a 26-yard field goal with a minute left, capitalizing on a fumble by Marsh.
In the third, Underwood and Marshall each scored while holding Northwestern to a field goal for the 21-9 advantage after three quarters. Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone made it a one-score game at the top of the fourth with a 1-yard carry, which gave the Wildcats momentum.
Underwood finished 21-of-32 for 280 yards and the two picks and 30 yards on the ground with a third quarter touchdown. Stone went 13-of-27 for 184 yards and the rushing score.
Michigan held Northwestern to 245 yards but the Wildcats committed no turnovers in the game.
With the win, Michigan keeps its playoffs hopes alive with just two losses and two games remaining. As for Northwestern, the Wildcats sit at 5-5 and have just two more chances to reach bowl eligibility with another win.
