Wolverines Survive Wild Finish to Keep Playoff Dreams Alive
If you thought Michigan’s trip to Wrigley Field would be a walk in the park, think again. In a game packed with drama, turnovers, and late-game heroics,
No. 18 Michigan Wolverines edged out the Northwestern Wildcats 24-22 thanks to a clutch 31-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada as time expired.
A Game of Swings: Michigan’s Lead Nearly Slips Away
Michigan looked in control for much of the afternoon, with
Jordan Marshall rushing for 142 yards and two touchdowns before leaving with an injury. The Wolverines built a 21-9 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Northwestern refused to fold.
The Wildcats’ Preston Stone powered in a short touchdown, and then Braden Turner intercepted Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, setting up Caleb Komolafe’s go-ahead score. Suddenly, Northwestern led 22-21 with just over 12 minutes left.
Turnovers Galore: Michigan’s Mistakes Nearly Cost Them
Michigan’s offense sputtered in the final quarter, coughing up
three turnovers—including two Underwood interceptions—that nearly handed Northwestern the upset. The Wolverines’ playoff hopes hung in the balance as the clock ticked down.
But when it mattered most, Michigan’s special teams delivered. Zvada’s game-winning kick capped a tense finish and kept the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Wrigley Field Atmosphere: Neutral Site, Maximum Drama
Playing at Wrigley Field gave the matchup a unique, almost neutral-site feel, despite Northwestern being the nominal home team. The Wildcats fed off the energy, playing disciplined football and keeping the game within reach until the final seconds.
What’s Next: Michigan Eyes Maryland, Northwestern Fights for Bowl Eligibility
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Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten): The Wolverines remain in the playoff hunt, but face a tough road ahead with a trip to Maryland next week and a season-defining showdown against No. 1 Ohio State looming on Nov. 29.
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Northwestern (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten): The Wildcats have two more chances to become bowl-eligible, hosting Minnesota next before closing the season at Illinois.
Expert Takeaways
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Michigan’s resilience: Surviving five turnovers and still winning on the road shows grit, but the Wolverines must clean up mistakes before facing elite competition.
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Northwestern’s progress: Coach David Braun’s squad played with heart and discipline, nearly pulling off a signature win. As Braun said postgame,
“We came here to win a football game and that was the expectation.”
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Playoff implications: Michigan’s narrow escape keeps them in the playoff conversation, but the margin for error is razor-thin with Ohio State on the horizon.
Key Stats
| Team | Final Score | Turnovers | Rushing Yards (Top RB) | Next Game |
|--------------|-------------|-----------|------------------------|-------------------|
| Michigan | 24 | 5 | 142 (Jordan Marshall) | @ Maryland, Nov 22|
| Northwestern | 22 | 1 | 68 (Caleb Komolafe) | vs Minnesota, Nov 22|
What This Means
Michigan’s win was anything but routine. The Wolverines showed they can survive adversity, but their playoff hopes hinge on fixing turnover issues and staying healthy. For Northwestern, the heartbreak is real, but their disciplined play signals a program on the rise.
Takeaway: Expect Michigan to be tested again soon. If they want to reach the College Football Playoff, they’ll need to play cleaner football—especially with Ohio State waiting in the wings.
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