Wolverines Look to Handle Business at Wrigley in Pivotal Jewett Trophy Clash
While the other program up the road in East Lansing is dealing with the fallout of sanctions and vacated wins, the Michigan Wolverines have business to take care of in Chicago — and they’ll do it on one of the most iconic stages in sports: Wrigley Field. On Saturday, the No. 18 Wolverines (7–2) trade the Big House for the Friendly Confines as they take on the Northwestern Wildcats (5–4) in a matchup loaded with postseason implications. With their College Football Playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Michigan knows the margin for error is gone. Every Saturday from here on out is a must-win.
This one isn’t just another road trip. It’s a battle for the George Jewett Trophy, a clash inside a historic ballpark, and a pivotal measuring stick for a team that’s been grinding through injuries and inconsistency. Coming off a much-needed bye week and riding a three-game winning streak — capped by a gritty 21–16 win over Purdue — the Wolverines head to Chicago looking to tighten the screws for the stretch run.
🏈 Wolverines Stat Capsule
Matchup: Michigan (7–2) vs. Northwestern (5–4) — George Jewett Trophy
Location: Wrigley Field — Chicago, IL
Key Wolverines: Marshall — 729 YDS, 8 TD • Underwood — 1,671 YDS, 11 TD (Pass/Run)
Kickoff: Saturday — 12 PM CT on FOX
Injuries Piling Up
Head Coach Sherrone Moore made his priority crystal clear during his pre-Northwestern presser: “Our number one goal was to make sure we got guys healthy.” Easier said than done. Michigan enters this matchup limping, with several key pieces uncertain or unavailable.
The biggest concern remains star running back Justice Haynes, officially “week to week” with a foot injury and unlikely to play Saturday. With 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, Haynes has been the engine of the offense — and losing him for any stretch is a massive blow.
The injury report is crowded beyond Haynes. Linebackers Jimmy Rolder, Jaishawn Barham, and Cole Sullivan are all questionable. Safety Rod Moore is far from a sure thing. Tight end Hogan Hansen could return this week or next, while guard Evan Link continues to trend upward. Several Wolverines have already been ruled out for the remainder of 2025, pushing Michigan’s depth to the limit.
Identity Check: Ground-and-Pound Meets Defensive Dominance
Statistics tell the story of who this team is: a throwback, physical, cold-weather Big Ten squad built to win in November. Michigan ranks 13th nationally in rushing at nearly 224 yards per game — and with Haynes sidelined, the load shifts to Jordan Marshall, who’s been outstanding in his own right with 729 yards and eight touchdowns. Moore calls him a back “built for November football,” and this week he’ll need to prove it.
The passing game remains a work in progress. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has flashed the five-star talent everyone expected, throwing for 1,671 yards and seven touchdowns while adding four more on the ground. But the Wolverines rank just 108th in passing yards per game, an area that will need to click as the season stiffens. Donaven McCulley (26/383/2 TD) and Andrew Marsh (25/376/2 TD) remain the top targets.
Where Michigan earns its reputation, though, is on defense. The Wolverines rank 13th nationally in points allowed (17.2) and 17th in total defense (304.0 yards). Their run defense has been elite — 12th in the nation, allowing only 100.2 yards per game. If Michigan is going to keep its postseason dreams alive, this unit will be the backbone.
Scouting Northwestern and the George Jewett Trophyence.
Northwestern enters Wrigley Field at 5–4 (3–3 Big Ten) and on a two-game skid, but they’re no soft spot on the schedule. In his third year, head coach David Braun has the Wildcats playing disciplined, mistake-free football and competing well above preseason expectations.
The offense is led by quarterback Preston Stone, the SMU transfer brought in to elevate a unit that struggled last season. He’s paired with explosive wideout Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State), giving Northwestern a legitimate big-play threat. On defense, former Purdue linebacker Yanni Karlafitis adds toughness and range to a group that rarely gives up easy yards.
Layer in the significance of the George Jewett Trophy, and the stakes rise even higher. Introduced in 2021, the trophy honors George Jewett — the first African American football player in the Big Ten, and an iconic figure who played for both Northwestern and Michigan before pursuing medicine. The Wolverines have won the trophy in both previous meetings (2021, 2024) and look to extend the streak in Wrigley’s historic confines.
Final Thoughts
In a season defined by adversity, Michigan enters this matchup with clarity: lean on the defense, control the ground game with Marshall, and let your young quarterback take another step forward. With CFP hopes still flickering and tougher battles looming, Saturday at Wrigley Field becomes a proving ground — and an opportunity to show the Wolverines are built for November football. Kickoff is set for noon CT on FOX.
With three games left on the schedule, including the “greatest rivalry of them all” in a few weeks, do you think the Wolverines will make the College Football Playoff? Let us know!
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Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
