Predictions
WolverinesWire’s Isaiah Hole and Trent Knoop share what they expect to happen in the game along with two general predictions and a final score prediction.
Trent Knoop
This game has a completely different feel to me then I thought it would going into Week 5 of the season. Michigan is undefeated and the Badgers somehow have two losses.
The biggest key to this game in my perspective is the trench play. The Wolverines have the fifth-best rushing attack in all of football, and the Badgers have the top-ranked rushing defense in all of football.
Running the ball has been the maize and blue’s identity so far this year, and I believe they will need to run the ball effectively in order to win. I also believe if they can run the ball, then we will see a different Cade McNamara in this game, and he will be able to sling the ball around.
I really like the Wolverines’ defense over the Badgers’ offense in this one as well. Graham Mertz has thrown for six interceptions compared to just one touchdown. We’re accustomed to seeing a powerhouse rushing attack by the Badgers, but this isn’t the same team. It seems that this new Wisconsin team is throwing the ball more than running, and with the slump Mertz is in, it bodes well for Michigan.
I originally had Wisconsin winning this game before the season started. Michigan hasn’t won in Madison since 2001, but now I think that streak ends and the Wolverines are victorious.
- Michigan rushes for 150 yards
- Graham Mertz throws two interceptions
- Michigan 21, Wisconsin 17
Isaiah Hole
I’ve gone back and forth on what I expect to happen here. On one hand, Michigan looks worlds better on paper. On the other, I’ve seen this movie before.
Still, Jim Harbaugh and his staff have been coaching for their proverbial lives and have outmatched every team they’ve faced, even if Rutgers managed a comeback last week. While I don’t think Michigan will have a ton of success running the ball, I do think it’ll be better than expected, thanks to the stellar offensive line. Cade McNamara should have time to throw and I expect the passing game to take off this week as part of the game plan — which is what will, in part, open up the run threat.
Conversely, I think Wisconsin will break open some runs, especially early, but I also anticipate that the Wolverines’ pass rush will be too much for the Badgers’ line to handle, given what we’ve seen this year. If Michigan can pit Aidan Hutchinson on Tyler Beach, it should force Mertz to get rid of the ball quickly, and if defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald continues to mix man and zone coverages, it should confuse Mertz into some customary mistakes.
Of course, there’s the snake-bitten feeling that suddenly the Badgers will look unbeatable, but thus far this season, they’ve not shown that. You are what your film says you are, and thus far, Wisconsin has not played great football. I expect the Badgers to score early in the first scripted drive, but Michigan will adjust and handle adversity better than it did last week. Still, it’ll be a low-scoring game, and whichever offense has the most success against tough defenses wins. I anticipate Wisconsin’s offense will look better, but I also think it’ll make some big mistakes at the wrong moment.
- Michigan forces two-plus turnovers
- Cade McNamara passes for 250 yards
- Michigan 24, Wisconsin 23
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