No. 18 Michigan vs. Northwestern

(Noon ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)

Playing at Wrigley Field should be a very cool setting for this one. It’s also shaping up to be a compelling challenge for Michigan, as the Wolverines face a Northwestern squad that has been playing its best football recently. This is a tough, disciplined, and classic Northwestern-style team.

For Michigan, I still believe the Wolverines largely control their own CFP destiny, especially with “The Game” still ahead. They also bring one of the nation’s best rushing attacks — and it doesn’t seem to matter who the ball carrier is. Whether it’s Jordan Marshall or Justice Haynes, Michigan has run the ball impressively against solid defenses. Marshall has been the lead back lately, with Michigan topping 250 rushing yards in each of its past two games. He’s averaging more than 140 yards per game over his last three, filling in effectively with Haynes sidelined.

Can Michigan's dominant ground game keep rolling against Northwestern? 🤔

Quarterback Bryce Underwood has also shown improvement. Last week against Purdue wasn’t perfect, but Michigan’s issues boiled down to two key mistakes — and the game would’ve otherwise been a comfortable win. The Wolverines controlled the game on the ground but turned the ball over twice inside the red zone.

Northwestern’s defense won’t make things easy. The Wildcats rarely give up big plays and rely heavily on their own rushing attack, which could shorten the game and limit possessions. RB Caleb Komolafe has posted back-to-back 100-yard performances, and Michigan’s injury-riddled defense — especially at linebacker — will be tested.