Michigan vs Wisconsin Preview
Kickoff: Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
The Big Picture
This Michigan vs Wisconsin Preview has the Wolverines (3–1) back in the Top 25, sitting at 20 in both the AP and AFCP polls. Energy in Ann Arbor is buzzing, and for good reason. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is quickly becoming the face of this team, and Saturday’s matchup with Wisconsin (2–2, 0–1 Big Ten) is another chance to show how far the Wolverines have come.
Wisconsin has had an up-and-down start. They opened with wins over Miami (OH) and Middle Tennessee but stumbled against ranked Alabama in non-conference play and then dropped their Big Ten opener to Maryland, 27–10. The Badgers struggled to move the ball consistently in that loss, and turnovers left them chasing all afternoon.
Michigan’s Storylines
Bryce Underwood keeps growing
He may only be a freshman, but Underwood is playing with the confidence of a seasoned vet. He’s flashed both his arm and legs — including a 37-yard touchdown run against Nebraska and a 114-yard rushing day against Central Michigan. After that CMU win, one local columnist wrote, “Nobody’s ever seen a freshman like him.” Bold words, but he’s backing them up.
Justice Haynes pounding away
If Underwood is the flash, Justice Haynes is the hammer. Against Nebraska, he gashed the Huskers for 149 yards on just 17 carries. His ability to rip off big runs takes pressure off the freshman QB and forces defenses to pick their poison. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with Haynes, and I’m not looking forward to seeing him square off against MSU in three weeks. He’s the real deal, and Wisconsin will have their hands full with him.
Defense stepping up
Michigan’s defense has quietly been the unsung hero. Tackling has improved, gap discipline has been better, and they’re getting timely stops. The bye week gave them extra time to polish things up, and coaches hammered fundamentals and ball security.
Coaching note
Sherrone Moore is expected to return to the sideline this week, bringing stability to play-calling and leadership. Biff Poggi, who served as the interim head coach in Moore’s absence, did a fine job steering the ship.
Wisconsin’s Challenge
The Badgers aren’t flashy, but they’re physical. Their defense plays hard, especially against the run, so you can bet they’ll stack the box to try to slow Haynes and force Underwood into mistakes.
On offense, Wisconsin will want to chew clock and keep Michigan’s playmakers watching from the sidelines. That’s their formula: shorten the game, win at the line of scrimmage, and hope to hang around late.
But if they fall behind early, that script gets thrown out the window — and Michigan’s defense has the speed and talent to make life miserable when teams have to play from behind.
To make matters worse, there are already some rumblings in Madison calling for Luke Fickell’s firing. Through two full seasons and up to Saturday’s game, Fickell has compiled a record of 15-15. I don’t think Wisconsin hired him to be a .500 coach, so he has a lot to prove to keep his job.
What Michigan Must Do
- Start fast. Get the crowd into it early, force Wisconsin to play catch-up.
- Protect the ball. Freshmen can make mistakes; Underwood has to stay clean.
- Feed Haynes. If the ground game is rolling, the Badgers will be on their heels.
- Stay disciplined on defense. Don’t give Wisconsin easy chunk plays.
What Wisconsin Must Do
- Load the box. Take away Haynes and dare the freshman QB to beat them.
- Grind it out. Long drives keep the score down and the game close.
- Win hidden yards. Field position, special teams, and turnovers are their path to an upset.
Weather Factor
It’s expected to be hotter than Hades in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Anyone who’s sat in Michigan Stadium in the blazing sun knows how draining it can be. Hydration and depth will matter, especially for Wisconsin if Michigan pushes the tempo. On days like Saturday, when the sun is shining down on the Big House, it will feel like you’re in a frying pan. This is definitely a game better watched from the comfort of your couch. That said, it will be a packed house, and the crowd will be ready.
Prediction
This feels like a matchup where Michigan has the edge in both talent and momentum. Wisconsin will make them work for it in the trenches, but once Underwood settles in, the Wolverines should control the game.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Wisconsin 13
Expect Michigan to use Haynes to wear down the defense, then let Underwood take his shots. Wisconsin’s best hope is to ugly it up and keep it close — but Michigan looks too balanced right now.
