No. 18 Michigan faces Northwestern at iconic Wrigley Field originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
No. 18 Michigan will take the field in one of America’s most iconic sports venues Saturday when the Wolverines meet Northwestern at Wrigley Field. The matchup marks just the sixth football game played at the historic ballpark in the modern era and adds a unique backdrop to a key Big Ten contest.
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Built in 1914, the house of the Cubs famed for its ivy-covered walls and hand-operated scoreboard, has hosted only a handful of football games since the Chicago Bears left the stadium in 1970 after 50 years.
Northwestern has been involved in all five modern-era college games at the venue, most recently facing Ohio State in 2024. Now, Michigan becomes the latest addition to the exclusive list.
“It’s a historic venue,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “We’re really excited about going there, but it’s just the place we’re playing. We have to go play football.”
Michigan (7-2) will lean on a defense ranked 19th nationally, allowing just 304 yards per game, and a rushing attack led by Justice Haynes, who has 857 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wolverines freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has thrown for 1,671 yards but faces a Northwestern defense that ranks 21st in the nation against the pass.
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Northwestern (5-4) will try to control the game with its 13th-ranked time-of-possession offense, fueled by running back Caleb Komolafe’s 726 yards. However, the Wildcats’ minus-five turnover margin and struggles on third down, allowing opponents to convert 43.6 percent and could pose challenges against a Michigan team that thrives on ball control and field position.
Kickoff is set for noon ET on FOX. The iconic stadium provides a rare and memorable stage for November Big Ten football. If Michigan wins, the ‘W’ can stand for Wolverines or flip it upside down for Michigan. Either way, let it fly.
