Way Too Late

It's unlikely anyone is going to read this before the Michigan game starts in a few hours but here's 3 things to watch and a prediction.

Heisman hopeful's health an issue.

1. Is Persa 100%?

A healthy Dan Persa makes the Wildcats a much different team.  They will need him playing and playing at a high level to win this game.

2. Turnover Battle

I can't envision Northwestern winning this game unless they win the turnover battle.  If Michigan can protect the football and generate a couple of turnovers from the Wildcats, it should be a Wolverine victory.  If Denard throws some picks or Michigan has some fumbling issues, NW will win the game.

3. Defensive success an anomaly?

Michigan is tied for 2nd in the nation in scoring defense. (Yes, you read that correctly)  Is that a result of poor competition or a vast improvement in the play of the defense?  If Persa is healthy and Michigan is able to shut down the Wildcat offense it will be a telling sign for the rest of the season.  If Northwestern racks up over 400 yards of offense without turning the ball over, well that would be a telling sign in the opposite direction.  This is a good test for the Michigan defense.

Prediction:

I think this game has all the makings of a trap game for the Wolverines.  First road game of the season, rival Michigan State on the docket for next weekend and a 5-0 record and a stomping of Minnesota the previous week.  The coaching staff and players have been saying all the right things all week but these are college kids after all and winning on the road (even if it's 40% Michigan fans) is difficult.

With all that said, I believe Michigan is the more talented football team.  Northwestern's defense is susceptible to giving up big plays and Denard should be able to take advantage.

35-31 Michigan