GAME 7 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS
Final Score: 33-7, Michigan by 26 over Northwestern
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 21.6 (+4.4)
CD Projection: Michigan by 31 (-5)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 7 RECAP vs. Northwestern
This was definitely not the clean performance we wanted, but it’s not grounds for panic either. The Wolverines dominated nearly every statistical category. Yet, the whole game still felt somehow disjointed. It felt like the Wolverines were trying to stay balanced on offense, while grabbing another week for a few players to rest. On defense, Michigan dominated, outside of one really horrific bust in the run game.
Offensively, Michigan was aggressive in pushing the ball down the field in the pass game early. However, the deep shots missed their targets both into the wind and with the wind helping. The Wolverines racked up another 300 yards rushing (removing sack yardage). Somehow, it never quite felt like Michigan was steamrolling Northwestern despite all the yards. In the grand scheme, this game boiled down to continuously moving the chains and keeping the offense on the field. Michigan ran 87 plays (including garbage time) compared to just 55 for the Wildcats.
Northwestern was able to find a couple holes in the Michigan defense today. However, Mike MacDonald and the defensive staff were able to close those holes quickly. The most egregious bust came in the 2nd quarter when Evan Hull zipped up the middle for a 75-yard touchdown run, untouched. Outside of that highlight for the Wildcats, the Wolverine defenders strangled Northwestern to just a 28% Success Rate and 233 total yards.
Another Michigan blocked punt highlighted the special teams effort in this one. Cornelius Johnson capitalized on a new opportunity to contribute and smothered the Northwester punter. The result was a drive starting at the NW 24 yard line, and led to the touchdown that allowed Michigan to seize control for good.
All attention now turns to East Lansing, where 7-0 Michigan will invade to take on the 7-0 Spartans for the Paul Bunyan trophy and for early control of the Big Ten East division race. Onward!
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