Game Thread: No. 18 Michigan Football vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field

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Game Thread: No. 18 Michigan Football vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field

Fresh off their second bye week of the season, the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines return to action with everything still on the table — a shot at the Big Ten title, a potential playoff bid, and a chance at beating its most hated rival. At 7-2, Michigan has won five of its past six games and is looking to build on that momentum at Wrigley Field on Saturday against Northwestern.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, are 5-4 under third-year head coach David Braun, have been tough at home (4-1 this season) and are only one win away from bowl eligibility. They’ll try to break a long drought against Michigan — the Wolverines have won eight straight in the series and lead the all-time matchup 60-15-2. Northwestern’s last win came in 2008.

This will be Michigan’s first game at a baseball stadium since the 2008 Metrodome matchup against Minnesota. Northwestern, on the other hand, has never won at Wrigley Field.

Game Info

  • Teams: No. 18 Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats
  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025
  • Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
  • Kickoff: 12:10 p.m. ET (11:10 a.m. local)
  • Television: FOX
  • Stream: Fox Sports App
  • Spread: Michigan -11.5
  • O/U: 41.5

Today’s Question: Can Michigan control the tempo and avoid the trap game?

Northwestern’s identity under Braun is clear — slow the game down, win time of possession and rely on a disciplined, efficient defense. The Wildcats rank 13th nationally in time of possession, averaging nearly 33 minutes per game. They also boast a Top 25 passing defense and scoring defense, and rarely get penalized.

Michigan will need to match that patience with efficiency of its own.

Offensively, the recipe for the Wolverines is to lean heavily on the power run game and young quarterback Bryce Underwood. An ability to sustain drives and prevent turnovers will be key for a unit that has struggled with consistency down the stretch.

Defensively, it’s all about keeping Northwestern’s offense behind the sticks. Preston Stone has thrown for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. With the Wildcats struggling in turnover margin (-5), this matchup may come down to exactly that — whichever defense forces key mistakes will likely swing momentum in a game expected to be lower scoring.

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