In this article, we will formulate a Michigan vs Northwestern prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 23rd at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 13 matchup.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are 5-5 (3-4) this year after they lost to Indiana by a score of 20-15 in their last game. Michigan trailed 17-3 at halftime, but they did cut the deficit to just 17-15, but couldn’t get any closer in the loss. The Wolverines were outgained by a total of 246-206, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 5-15 on third down in the game. Davis Warren threw for 137 yards, while Donovan Edwards rushed for 46 yards on 15 carries.
Prior to that loss, the Wolverines lost to Oregon by a score of 38-17 but did beat Michigan State by a score of 24-17 before that. The Michigan offense has scored 21.6 points per game with 134.6 passing yards and 155.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 23 points per game this season. Davis Warren has completed 61.6% of his passes for 869 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions, while Colston Loveland has caught 53 passes for 560 yards and four scores.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 4-6 (2-5) this season after they lost to Ohio State by a score of 31-7 in their last game. Northwestern led 7-0 in the second quarter, but they allowed the last 31 points for the blowout loss. The Wildcats were outgained by a total of 420-251, lost the turnover battle 1-0, and went 6-16 on third down in the game. Jack Lausch threw for 201 yards, while Cam Porter rushed for 37 yards on 10 carries.
Prior to that game, the Wildcats defeated Purdue by a score of 26-20 but did lose to Iowa and Wisconsin before that. The Northwestern offense has scored 17.4 points per game with 178.5 passing yards and 105.9 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 22.8 points per game this season. Jack Lausch has completed 54.6% of his passes for 1,321 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Bryce Kirtz has caught 34 passes for 506 yards this year.
Why Michigan will beat Northwestern
- Michigan has won each of its last 23 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Michigan Stadium.
- Northwestern has lost 12 of its last 16 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the last four games between Northwestern and Michigan.
- Michigan has won the first half in 16 of its last 17 games against conference opponents at Michigan Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Michigan’s last five home games against conference opponents has gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Northwestern’s last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Michigan ranks 129th among FBS teams for yards per game this season (290.1).
- Michigan ranks 129th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (134.6).
- Northwestern ranks 130th among FBS teams for yards per game this season (284.4).
- Northwestern ranks 130th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (69.0).
Michigan vs Northwestern Prediction
Michigan comes into this game needing one win to make a bowl game, which is a must in this situation, as they have to play Ohio State next week. The Wolverines have been very disappointing this season and their offense has been brutal to watch, but their defense has kept them in games. Northwestern needs to win each of their last two games to make a bowl game, but they have scored 14 points or fewer in three of their last four games. It is always a risk backing Michigan with how poorly they throw the ball, but I think their defense leads them to an easy win. Take the Wolverines at home.