Michigan's Playoff Chances Take a Step Forward with Nail-Biting Win Over Northwestern
In a heart-stopping finale, the Wolverines edged out Northwestern 24-22 at historic Wrigley Field, securing their fourth straight victory and staying firmly in the College Football Playoff hunt. With the win, No. 18 Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten) remains one of the top contenders for a spot in the coveted playoff.
The game was a testament to Northwestern's determination, as they fought valiantly against the Wolverines' potent offense. Quarterback Bryce Underwood led the charge, completing 21 of 32 passes for 280 yards and nearly leading his team to an upset victory.
However, it was Michigan's kicker Dominic Zvada who ultimately secured the win with a clutch 31-yard field goal as time expired, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The boot marked a dramatic turnaround in momentum after the Wildcats had taken a 22-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Zvada's winning kick came after a series of turnovers and close calls for Michigan, which had built an early 21-9 lead but saw that advantage evaporate in the final minutes. Braden Turner intercepted a pass intended for Deakon Tonielli, setting up Northwestern's Preston Stone for a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining.
The Wildcats' momentum was short-lived, however, as Caleb Komolafe responded with a score of his own, giving Michigan a 22-21 lead with 12:05 left in the game. The Wolverines then drove to the Northwestern 30 before Underwood's second interception sealed their fate – or so it seemed.
Underwood would eventually redeem himself with two more passes completed and nearly led a comeback victory. Meanwhile, Jordan Marshall continued to wreak havoc on the Wildcats' defense, running for 142 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the game due to injury.
Marshall's impressive performance marked his second consecutive multi-touchdown outing, cementing his status as one of Michigan's most reliable playmakers. Freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh also made history with a 12-catch, 189-yard performance – the highest totals by a freshman since at least 1979.
Despite falling short, Northwestern showed fight and grit in their loss to the Wolverines. Coach David Braun emphasized that his team expected to win, and they undoubtedly left it all on the field against one of the top teams in the Big Ten.
With their next matchup looming against Maryland on November 22, Michigan will look to build upon this hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, Northwestern hosts Minnesota at Wrigley Field before facing off against Illinois in a season finale that promises to be just as intense.
In a heart-stopping finale, the Wolverines edged out Northwestern 24-22 at historic Wrigley Field, securing their fourth straight victory and staying firmly in the College Football Playoff hunt. With the win, No. 18 Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten) remains one of the top contenders for a spot in the coveted playoff.
The game was a testament to Northwestern's determination, as they fought valiantly against the Wolverines' potent offense. Quarterback Bryce Underwood led the charge, completing 21 of 32 passes for 280 yards and nearly leading his team to an upset victory.
However, it was Michigan's kicker Dominic Zvada who ultimately secured the win with a clutch 31-yard field goal as time expired, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The boot marked a dramatic turnaround in momentum after the Wildcats had taken a 22-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Zvada's winning kick came after a series of turnovers and close calls for Michigan, which had built an early 21-9 lead but saw that advantage evaporate in the final minutes. Braden Turner intercepted a pass intended for Deakon Tonielli, setting up Northwestern's Preston Stone for a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining.
The Wildcats' momentum was short-lived, however, as Caleb Komolafe responded with a score of his own, giving Michigan a 22-21 lead with 12:05 left in the game. The Wolverines then drove to the Northwestern 30 before Underwood's second interception sealed their fate – or so it seemed.
Underwood would eventually redeem himself with two more passes completed and nearly led a comeback victory. Meanwhile, Jordan Marshall continued to wreak havoc on the Wildcats' defense, running for 142 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the game due to injury.
Marshall's impressive performance marked his second consecutive multi-touchdown outing, cementing his status as one of Michigan's most reliable playmakers. Freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh also made history with a 12-catch, 189-yard performance – the highest totals by a freshman since at least 1979.
Despite falling short, Northwestern showed fight and grit in their loss to the Wolverines. Coach David Braun emphasized that his team expected to win, and they undoubtedly left it all on the field against one of the top teams in the Big Ten.
With their next matchup looming against Maryland on November 22, Michigan will look to build upon this hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, Northwestern hosts Minnesota at Wrigley Field before facing off against Illinois in a season finale that promises to be just as intense.
, but I still think it's a bit too early for them to make the playoff cut. They've had some close games lately and Northwestern gave 'em a run for their money 
. Michigan's offense is looking solid, but their defense has been inconsistent at times 
. Still, a win's a win and they'll take it 
. Andrew Marsh's 12-catch performance was insane! 
And Jordan Marshall's injury is a major concern - hope he's good to go for the next game 
.
! That game was insane and Dom Zvada's clutch kick was everything 
! Michigan's defense stepped up when it mattered most, but those Northwestern QBs are some talented dudes 
! Andrew Marsh making history as a freshman is a huge deal for Michigan's future. This win gets 'em closer to that playoff spot and I'm feeling good about their chances 
and can u believe jordan marshall broke out in a two-touchdown spree despite being injured? talk about a testament to his mental toughness 
. And can we talk about Jordan Marshall for a second? The dude is on fire 
. Two touchdowns and 142 yards before he even got hurt. What a player! 
. That was the difference maker right there.
️. Bring it on! 
they got lucky with that last min field goal and underwood wasn't even that bad considering he was getting hit left and right all game 
anyway, I do think marshall is the real deal, he's been carrying that team for weeks now 
Dominic Zvada is a genius, that clutch 31-yard field goal at the end was everything 
. The Wolverines are on fire right now and I am SO HERE FOR IT 
. Can't wait for their next game against Maryland, this is gonna be EPIC 
Dominic Zvada's 31-yard field goal was super lucky and still feels like a cop-out. And what's up with all these turnovers and close calls for Michigan? It's like they're playing a game of "if" instead of actually executing their plays 
.
. And Andrew Marsh's 12 catches for 189 yards? Freshman of the year, no question 
12 catches and 189 yards is straight fire, I'm living for it! He's definitely got the potential to be a top player in the league. Michigan's offense is just clicking on all cylinders right now, and with that win, they're looking like serious contenders for the playoff.
!
! Michigan needs him on their team for sure. Anyway, I'm gonna have to rewatch this game a few more times before the season is over...
, that game was mental! I'm still reeling from the fact that those Wildcats had it all but handed to them on a silver platter and still managed to lose. 
. All these schools are upgrading their facilities and it shows on the field. It's gonna be a great rest of the season, I can feel it 
️ 142 yards and two touchdowns, not to mention his injury - hope he recovers soon 
Andrew Marsh is a freshman sensation 
and northwestern showed so much heart, even if they didn't get the win 
! And can we talk about Andrew Marsh's rookie season? 12 catches for 189 yards? 