No. 12 Michigan Wolverines (-7) at Northwestern Wildcats, Total 59 |
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Michigan heads out on the road for the first time this year and is 52-15-2 all-time against Northwestern. The Wolverines defense is tied for first in the Big Ten and tied fro second in the nation in scoring defense.
That’s quite a difference from last season that saw the unit allow 35.2 points a contest. Michigan has held the opposition to seven points or less in four straight games for the first time since 1993.
“We believe and we have all bought into the new system and things that coach Hoke is trying to implement,” commented Devin Gardner. “I feel like there is a big belief on the team, and maybe it’s something that we haven’t had in past years.”
Michigan won its sixth straight Big Ten Conference opener and recorded its first shutout since 2007. The Wolverines allowed just 177 total yards in last week’s 58-0 shutout over Minnesota.
The Wolverines have forced 15 turnovers and have won the turnover battle in four of five games, which has resulted in a plus-seven turnover margin.
Offensively, the team ranks second in the Big Ten in red zone offense, scoring 21-of-22 times when reaching the 20-yard line. The team is averaging 37.2 points and 440.8 yards per game offensively.
Quarterback Denard Robinson has been protected well by an offensive line that has allowed just two sacks in five games, while also allowing him to lead the Big Ten Conference in rushing.
Bettors will find that the Wolverines are 2-15 ATS versus conference opponents, while the ‘over’ is 10-7 over that span.
Northwestern makes its Big Ten home debut Saturday night and will be looking to bounce back from narrow losses to Army and Illinois on the road. The Wildcats have actually been out-gained in three of four games this season.
All eyes will be on the availability of quarterback Dan Persa, who finished 10 of 14 for 123 yards and a career-high four touchdowns last week, but he was unable to finish the entire game due to stiffness at the top of his Achillies, an injury that kept him out of the first three games.
The Wildcats rank second in the conference with a plus-five turnover margin, which is critical in facing the Wolverines in that category.
Bettors will find that the Wildcats are 8-3 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points, while the ‘over’ is 7-4 in those contests.
