Predicting the Final Score of Michigan vs. Northwestern

Michigan and Northwestern have both struggled mightily this season. With the season nearing its end, the teams have combined for just seven total wins and four Big Ten wins. The game between the two doesn’t mean a lot in the Big Ten race, but it is important for the confidence of the two programs. Both teams still have a chance to be bowl eligible, but a loss by either on Saturday would greatly diminish those hopes.

Michigan has played a little better as of late, winning two of their last three games. Both of those wins, however, came at home against weak opponents. The game Saturday will be on the road, but they were able to win in Evanston last year. With the way both teams have struggled offensively this season, it may be another defensive battle like we saw in 2013 between the two teams. Devin Gardner will need to keep his turnovers down (he had zero turnovers in last years game against Northwestern), and Michigan will hope Drake Johnson can keep his momentum going in the rushing attack. Northwestern gives up just over 166 rushing yards per game, ranking them an abysmal 66th in the country.

Northwestern is coming off three straight losses, including a 41-point blowout defeat at Iowa last weekend. They have struggled to put points on the board all season and currently rank 116th in the country in points per game. It won’t get any easier going against a Michigan defense that has played surprisingly well, ranking 19th in the country in total defense. The Northwestern offense will at least be at home where they have played well at times this season.

It should be a hard fought game on Saturday with a close outcome. Neither team is really that much better than the other, and Northwestern will be hungry at home after their embarrassing defeat last week. I expect it to be a one possession game with Michigan coming out on top.

Prediction: Michigan 24, Northwestern 17

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.