Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Preview

The Michigan Wolverines (4-5) head to Evanston, Illinois to face Big Ten rivals, the Northwestern Wildcats (3-5).

More from Michigan Wolverines

When: Saturday, November 8, 3:30 pm/ET

Where: Ryan Field – Evanston, Illinois

TV Coverage: ESPN2

Saturday afternoon’s Michigan-Northwestern game will be a game of desperation. Both teams have experienced their fair share of struggles in 2014 and both need a win to keep their bowl hopes alive.

The Michigan Wolverines enter the game winners of two straight over the Northwestern Wildcats. In 2012 Michigan rallied late to defeat Northwestern 38-31 in Ann Arbor.

Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Then last year, the Wolverines won in triple overtime in Evanston when field goal kicker, Brendan Gibbons sprinted onto the field and kicked a 44-yard field goal as regulation expired to force overtime. Devin Gardner went on to secure the victory with a 5-yard touchdown run. Final score, 27-19.

The Wolverines also bring with them a one game winning streak, having defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 34-10 in week 10. Gardner, bothered by an ankle injury the past few weeks, threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, the victory has been overshadowed the turmoil surrounding the university as of late.

Athletic Director, Dave Brandon resigned just one week ago and head coach Brady Hoke is believed to be coaching his last year at U-M.

The Wildcats come into Saturday not only on a three-game losing skid, but also possibly still feeling the ill effects of last weeks 48-7 thrashing at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeye’s. In week 10, the Wildcats managed a season-low 180-yards on offense and allowing a season-high 483-yards on defense.

Players to Watch

“I think he has continued to develop and progress, and they’ll compete. I would say De’Veon Smith right now, he’s fine. We’ll see what happens.”- Brady Hoke

Michigan Wolverines sophomore running back, Drake Johnson looks to follow-up a 122-yard performance against Indiana last week. Johnson received an opportunity to prove himself after Derrick Green suffered a broken collarbone, ending his season and De’Von Smith hurt his ankle last week.

Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Tony Jones hasn’t moved on from last years crushing defeat to the Wolverines at home. Jones says that he and his team will indeed play with a chip on their shoulders come Saturday.

"“I have a chip on my shoulder knowing they stole two from us these past two years,” Northwestern receiver Tony Jones said. “There would be no better feeling than to go out there and dominate them this upcoming Saturday.”"

Neither Michigan, nor Northwestern can afford to lose this game if they have any hopes of salvaging their respective seasons and earning a bowl bid.

For continued coverage of the Michigan Wolverines and the Maize and Blue, stay logged into Detroit Jock City all season long! Also, be sure to give us a “like” on Facebook as well as a follow on Twitter!

Home/Michigan Wolverines

Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Preview, Start Time, TV

By Nate Williams | Nov 8, 2014