No. 18 Michigan dominates No. 13 Northwestern 38-0

Michigan’s defense, which hasn’t given up a touchdown since September 19, smothered the Wildcats.

The Wildcats (5-1, 1-1 Big Ten) fell from the ranks of the unbeaten as Michigan (5-1, 2-0) recorded its third straight shutout for the first time since 1980. “We’ll move on with humble hearts, we’ve got a big one next week but we look forward to a great week of preparation, and it’ll be needed”. Harbaugh graded the whole effort on defense an “A-plus-plus”.

The last time Northwestern played a game this big, the season spiraled out of control. That’s an aggressive, effective pass rush.

Yet they still see a higher level.

Northwestern beat Stanford, and much-improved Duke on the road. Early in the first quarter, already down 14-0, the Wildcats faced a fourth down and less than a yard to go at the Michigan 25-yard-line.

“Congratulations”, Harbaugh said in his typical post-game response, his comments as consistent as his defense. In that game Ojemudia had two sacks but he won’t be available for this one. The Spartans, ranked No. 4, played Rutgers on Saturday (Oct. 10). Florida travels to LSU. Amusing how one week changes everything. Those teams came back. It missed; the Huskies ran out the clock. Losing to a team you’re not supposed to? And afterward, he reached out to fans of his opponent.

“You can’t give away momentum”, Fitzgerald said. “I’m serious. I’m sick of it. I don’t even know why we bring up the dadgum word”. Things are just a bit different for both teams in 2015. The Wolverines are now 5-1, with three straight shutout wins. “I never want to insult an opponent that kicks your butt the way that we just got our butts kicked. That’s all media bull…” Their total yardage was 223 below their season average.

It was a good Saturday for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, but that comes as no surprise as they faced the worst team in the Big Ten this season, the Purdue Boiler Makers. On Saturday, it was Georgia running back Nick Chubb suffering a major knee injury.

The regular season is practically halfway over.

Rudcock and Michigan have won the past two meetings with Northwestern. “It didn’t work out, so it’s on me”, said BC coach Steve Addazio. “If we can get the attitude back to where we need it to be, I think we’re going to be OK”. Northwestern managed only 168 total yards, two third-down conversions and 38 rushing yards on Saturday.

This team is admittedly playing harder than it did a year ago. The Tide trailed 7-3 at the half, but pulled away in the second half for a 27-14 home victory. The Seminoles’ offense would be lost without him, and he came to the rescue with 222 rushing yards in the win over Miami, plus 47 receiving yards. The game was as uneven as the score indicates. At best, this could be a very special season.

Analyst Rob Rang’s five prospect takeaways for this week. A few struggle to find their way all year long. Feeney showed the burst, bend and enough strength to harass off the edge as well as fluidity and acceleration in run support and coverage. Voltz impressed with his recognition, stout anchor and agility.

That’s crisp tackling. That’s getting into backfield every single snap to pressure passers and rushers. Stribling participated in warmups, but did not play, as the Wolverines started junior Jeremy Clark at corner opposite Jourdan Lewis.