The Michigan Wolverines barely avoided a shocking upset, hitting a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat the Northwestern Wildcats 24-22 at Wrigley Field on Saturday. Despite a disastrous second half, Michigan somehow survived with a last-second win to advance to 8-2 and 6-1 in Big Ten play.
Here’s how it all went down.
Michigan put together a promising opening possession as Bryce Underwood found Andrew Marsh for a 32-yard catch but a holding penalty took a touchdown run off the board, which led to Dominic Zvada missing a 34-yard field goal attempt.
It appeared the Wolverines were going to get a quick stop until Northwestern picked up a first down on a fake punt. Northwestern moved the ball to midfield but wasn’t able keep the drive going any further, eventually punting to Michigan.
On the ensuing possession, the Wolverines continued to establish the passing attack as Underwood connected with Marsh for back-to-back first downs. The first quarter came to a close with it tied 0-0 but Michigan was threatening to score.
End of Q1: Michigan 0, Northwestern 0
Less than a minute into the second quarter, Underwood and Marsh connected on another 32-yard gain to put Michigan on the doorstep of scoring. Two plays later, Jordan Marshall punched in a one-yard touchdown to put the Wolverines up 7-0.
Marshall capped off a 12-play, 91-yard drive to take a lead with 13:11 remaining in the first half. Underwood accounted for 85 yards during the drive, highlighted by three completions to Marsh and a 15-yard run to get into Northwestern territory.
Northwestern nearly scored a game-tying touchdown on the next drive but a penalty forced the Wildcats to settle for a field goal. Michigan was hoping to extend the lead before halftime but a fumble by Marsh gave Northwestern the ball back.
The Wildcats had multiple chances to take a lead but pass break ups by Jaishawn Barham and Rayshaun Benny spoiled potential go-ahead touchdowns. Northwestern settled for another field goal to cut the deficit to 7-6 with 1:00 left in the half.
Michigan quickly got into Northwestern territory as Underwood found Marsh on three straight plays including a 17-yard first down catch. The Wolverines eventually attempted a 60-yard field goal as time expired but Zvada’s kick was wide right.
HALFTIME: Michigan 7, Northwestern 6
Northwestern came up empty on the first drive of the third quarter, as Derrick Moore had a pass deflection and Benny came up with a big-time hit to force a punt. Michigan quickly took advantage, going on a five-play, 85-yard touchdown drive.
Underwood picked up a pivotal first down on a nine-yard run. On the next play, Marshall sprinted 65 yards to put the Wolverines in scoring position. Underwood finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-6.
Michigan forced a second straight defensive stop, but Northwestern got new life when Semaj Morgan fumbled on the punt return. The Wolverines were able to hold Northwestern to a field goal, clinging to a 14-9 lead with 6:09 left in the quarter.
On the final possession of the quarter, Michigan created some separation by marching 80 yards down the field in 10 plays to seize a 21-9 lead. Underwood hit Donaven McCulley for a 21-yard gain, and Marshall off the drive with his second touchdown.
End of Q3: Michigan 21, Northwestern 9
Northwestern erased the double-digit deficit in the blink of an eye — scoring a touchdown, intercepting Underwood, and finding the end zone again. The Wildcats scored 13 points in just 55 seconds to suddenly take their first lead (22-21).
It seemed like the Wolverines were going to regain the lead after Marshall’s 24-yard run put them in scoring position, but Underwood threw yet another interception. Northwestern wasn’t able to take advantage, as the defense forced a punt.
The abysmal second half continued as Bryson Kuzdzal – who came in for an injured Marshall — fumbled on fourth down. It marked the fourth turnover of the second half alone for the Wolverines, who still trailed 22-21.
With a little more than two minutes left, Michigan got the ball back and went on an 11-play, season-saving drive. Marsh got the drive started with a toe-tapping 21-yard catch, which helped set up Zvada’s 31-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
It was as bad of a second half as the Wolverines could have played, committing four turnovers and relinquishing a double-digit lead in less than a minute, but Michigan found a way to come out on top.
Final Score: Michigan 24, Northwestern 22
- QB Bryce Underwood: 21-of-32 for 280 yards (career-high), two interceptions; 9 carries for 30 yards, one touchdown
- RB Jordan Marshall: 19 carries for 142 yards, 2 touchdowns
- RB Bryson Kuzdzal: 15 carries for 53 yards, 1 fumble
- WR Andrew Marsh: 12 catches for 189 yards (both freshman school-records)
- WR Donaven McCulley: 4 catches for 59 yards
- DL Rayshaun Benny: 4 total tackles, 1 pass breakup
- LB: Ernest Hausmann: 2 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback pressure
Northwestern Stat Leaders
- QB Preston Stone: 13-of-27 for 184 yards
- RB Caleb Komolafe: 12 carries for 31 yards, 1 touchdown
- TE Hunter Welcing: 4 catches for 81 yards
- DB Robert Fitzgerald: 15 total tackles, 1 interception, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup
- LB Braydon Brus: 13 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
Michigan will be back on the road next Saturday to take on Maryland.
