Northwestern @ Michigan preview

Northwestern at Michigan

Last Meeting ( Oct 8, 2011 ) Michigan 42, Northwestern 24

With three games remaining on their regular-season schedules, No. 24 Northwestern and Michigan likely need to win out and get some help to overtake Nebraska in the Big Ten Legends Division. On Saturday, one team’s chances at appearing in its first conference championship game will take a serious hit when they clash in Ann Arbor. The Wildcats find themselves one game behind the Wolverines and Cornhuskers and almost certainly need to improve to 3-1 on the road this season to have a shot of making a trip to Indianapolis on Dec. 1. Michigan’s conference record is identical to Nebraska’s, but a loss against the Huskers on Oct. 27 makes a win over the Wildcats almost as important for the Wolverines. Northwestern kept its hopes alive with a 28-17 victory over Iowa while Michigan cruised to a 35-13 win at Minnesota last Saturday.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Michigan –11

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten): Running back Venric Mark ran for 162 yards last week, becoming the first Wildcat since Tyrell Sutton in 2006 to surpass the 1,000-yard mark. With the help of versatile Kain Colter – who added 166 yards on the ground against the Hawkeyes – Northwestern ranks 13th in the country in rushing. The Wildcats’ proficient rushing attack figures to target the one weak link of Michigan’s defense – stopping the run. Thanks in part to its rushing success, Northwestern is one of 17 FBS schools that has thrown three or fewer interceptions this season.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (6-3, 4-1): Coach Brady Hoke appears encouraged by the recovery of quarterback Denard Robinson, who sat out against Minnesota because of an ulnar nerve injury. Robinson is one touchdown pass shy of becoming the first player in Big Ten history to post 50 passing and 40 rushing touchdowns. In Robinson’s absence last week, Devin Gardner threw for 234 yards and two scores. The Wolverines rank first in the nation in pass defense, seventh in total defense and 13th in scoring defense.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan owns a commanding 53-15-2 edge in the series, including 33-6-2 in Ann Arbor.

2. Northwestern is 16-9 on the road since the start of the 2008 season, including an 11-7 mark in conference play.

3. The Wolverines have won 12 straight games at home.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 21, Michigan 17