The Wolverines have terrific pieces but aren’t the same powerhouse that fueled last year’s national championship run.
After a 31-7 loss to Ohio State, the ‘Cats are back in action this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on FS1. While NU wasn’t able to pull off a massive upset, Northwestern looked impressive for the first 20 minutes against the Buckeyes. That performance offers plenty of positives to build on as the ‘Cats prepare for their game with Michigan. Below, I’ll break down three key storylines to watch in the matchup against the Wolverines.
Michigan’s quarterback situation
After J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL as a first-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings, the Wolverines faced uncertainty at quarterback. Many college football fans expected Alex Orji to take the reins after his occasional appearances as a running quarterback last season. However, Davis Warren won the starting job during camp, edging out Orji.
Warren’s tenure got off to a rocky start, with just 444 passing yards through three games. His struggles prompted Michigan to turn to Orji, who delivered immediate results. Orji led the Wolverines to a victory over then-No. 11 USC and followed it with a win against Minnesota. Against USC, Michigan leaned heavily on its ground game, racking up 290 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. Meanwhile, Orji attempted just 12 passes for 32 yards. In the Minnesota game, Orji threw for 86 yards but relied on Michigan’s stout defense and rushing attack to secure the win.
Things unraveled in the following game when Orji threw for only 15 yards on three drives and was benched in favor of Jack Tuttle. The seventh-year senior, a transfer from Utah and Indiana, struggled as well, committing four turnovers over two games. This performance reopened the quarterback competition, and Warren regained the starting job. A few days later, Tuttle retired from football.
Since returning to the lineup, Warren has been steady but far from spectacular, while Orji still sees the field occasionally as a running option or in goal-line situations.
Michigan’s quarterback carousel has been reminiscent of Northwestern’s 2022 season, where the Wildcats cycled through Ryan Hilinski, Brendan Sullivan and Cole Freeman under center, with Jack Lausch and Carl Richardson also seeing limited action. The difference is that while Northwestern struggled to a one-win season, Michigan has managed five wins thanks to its elite supporting cast. Standouts like tight end Colston Loveland, defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, and cornerback Will Johnson have kept the Wolverines competitive.
Still, Michigan’s season highlights the importance of stability at quarterback. Even with top-tier talent elsewhere, the lack of consistency under center has capped the Wolverines’ potential.
NU’s interior offensive line vs. Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant
Michigan’s defense has taken a small step back this year after a historic 2023 season. The Wolverines are currently allowing 23 points per game while ranking sixth nationally in rushing defense, giving up 102.4 yards per game on the ground and surrendering 232.8 passing yards per game. While these stats are very impressive, they fall short of last year’s extraordinary numbers: just 10.4 points allowed per game, alongside 90.1 rushing yards and 157 passing yards per contest.
Despite the drop-off, Michigan’s defense has continued to be a strong point for the team. This year’s performance comes amidst a major transition in leadership, with former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter departing to join Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers. In his place, Don “Wink” Martindale left the NFL to take over Michigan’s defense.
Martindale, known for his aggressive and adaptable schemes, has brought his own flair to Michigan’s defense, keeping it among the top units in college football despite the inevitable challenges of change.
Graham and Grant have been dominant forces anchoring Michigan’s defensive line, playing pivotal roles in the team’s success. Graham has posted 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season, but his value extends well beyond the stat sheet. His ability to command double teams and disrupt offensive lines makes him a consistent headache for opponents. Projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Graham has drawn comparisons to elite NFL talent. ESPN’s Jordan Reid likens him to Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders, who recently signed a four-year, $110 million contract. Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks Graham as the fifth-best overall prospect.
Grant has built on a strong 2023 campaign with 25 tackles and two sacks this season. Like Graham, his presence often alters offensive game plans. Projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Grant has top-10 potential and continues to be a physical force on the defensive front.
For NU, the interior offensive line will face its toughest test of the season. First-year left guard Ezomo Oratokhai, who played last week over Cooper Lovelace, along with center Jackson Carsello and right guard Josh Thompson, will all need to be at their best. The offensive line has excelled in pass protection, allowing just 1.7 sacks per game, but will also need to find success in the run game too. Sustaining their strong pass-blocking performance will be critical to managing Michigan’s formidable defensive line.
Northwestern’s defensive line vs. Michigan’s rushing attack
The Wolverines haven’t been particularly dominant this season but remain heavily reliant on their ground game. They’ve amassed 1,555 rushing yards on 358 carries, with Kalel Mullings leading their two-back system. Mullings has recorded 740 yards and eight touchdowns on 141 carries, while Donovan Edwards has added 513 yards and three scores on 114 carries. For comparison, Northwestern’s leading rusher, Cam Porter, has run for 424 yards this season.
Michigan’s offensive line, though significantly retooled from last season, remains a formidable unit. It’s anchored by ex-Northwestern left guard Josh Priebe, who brings experience and stability to the group.
Northwestern’s defensive line, a strength this season, will need to rise to the occasion. The Wildcats rank 34th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 123 yards per game. Najee Story and Carmine Bastone have been standouts on the interior, while Michael Kilbane, Aidan Hubbard and Anto Saka have impressed as pass rushers. Linebacker Mac Uihlein has excelled in his first year as a starter and the potential return of Xander Mueller could further solidify the defense.
For Northwestern to compete, it will need to win the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball. By containing Michigan’s rushing attack and holding its defensive front in check, the Wildcats give themselves a chance to pull off a statement win.