Preview: Michigan vs. Wisconsin
RUSH OFFENSE vs. WISCONSIN RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is the #8 rushing team in the country (253.5 yards/game) and #2 in yards per carry (6.67) after an outstanding showing over the past couple games. RB Justice Haynes (66 carries, 537 yards, 6 touchdowns) is getting buzz in Michigan circles as a potential Heisman candidate after four straight 100+ yard games, including runs of 75, 75, 59, and 56 yards over the first four weeks. I think Heisman talk is premature, but he’s fast and tough and has shown good vision. QB Bryce Underwood has 17 carries for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns over the past two games, and backup RB Jordan Marshall (16 carries, 132 yards, 3 TD over the past two games) has come alive, too. Michigan should be closer to full strength up front after the bye week, too, after playing games without LG Giovanni El-Hadi and RG Brady Norton. Wisconsin is #1 in rushing defense (50 yards allowed/game) and #3 in yards allowed per carry (2.11). Their worst performance was allowing 72 yards on 3.27 yards/carry against Alabama, so it’s a formidable run-stopping unit. They start former Grand Valley State/LSU DT Jay’viar Suggs (6’3″, 299), who was recruited by Michigan as a transfer going into 2024, and fifth year senior NT Ben Barten (6’5″, 330) on the defensive line. The two leading tacklers are junior LB Christian Alliegro (6’4″, 247) and redshirt junior LB Tackett Curtis (6’2″, 235) with 22 and 20 stops, respectively. This will be the key matchup, because Michigan’s offense depends on running the ball and Wisconsin’s lone strength is its run defense.
Advantage: Wisconsin
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