Michigan rushing offense vs. Northwestern rushing defense

With junior running back Brandon Minor questionable for the game, the burden will fall on freshmen Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw to carry the load for Michigan’s ground attack. Shaw broke a long run against Minnesota and took over the bulk of carries when Minor exited. McGuffie hasn't had much chance to return to his pre-concussion form, but made a big catch against the Gophers. Freshman quarterback Justin Feagin showed he could be a ground threat for the Wolverines.

Northwestern's rushing defense is ranked in the middle of the Big Ten, but it gave up 244 yards to Ohio State last week. The Wildcats have the third-best red-zone defenses in the conference (third), and the Wolverines struggled to punch the ball into the end zone last week, instead settling for field goals.

Edge: Push

Michigan passing offense vs. Northwestern passing defense

Backed up against its own end zone against Penn State, the Michigan offense gave up a safety. For many Michigan fans, that was their last image of Sheridan until the Minnesota game. On a third down during the first drive of the game, the crowd noise at the Metrodome forced Sheridan to call a timeout. He gained his composure after that. But it remains to be seen whether Sheridan's performance reflected genuine development or if it was an anomaly.

The Northwestern secondary is ranked ninth in the Big Ten. The Wildcats gave up 300 yards passing in just one game, and no Michigan quarterback has even come close to that number. Watch for Northwestern defensive lineman Corey Wooton to get pressure all afternoon. The key to Michigan's offense isn't to put up big numbers but in limiting mistakes and making sound decisions.

Edge: Northwestern

Michigan rushing defense vs. Northwestern rushing offense

Wildcat quarterback Mike Kafka started Northwestern's last two games while starter C.J. Bacher was out with an injury. Kafka rushed for 300 yards in those games and could be the next mobile quarterback to give the Wolverines fits.

Minnesota running back DeLeon Eskridge averaged 7.3 yards per carry against Michigan's 4-2-5 base defense. But Northwestern is down to its third-string running back, Stephen Simmons, because of injuries.

If Kafka starts, the Wildcats will have a slight advantage. If it's Bacher, they'll have a slight disadvantage.

Edge: Push

Michigan passing defense vs. Northwestern passing offense

Bacher is a much better passer than Kafka, and both are listed equally on the Wildcats' depth chart. The fifth-year senior plays with great poise and could handle the Wolverines' pass rush.

Kafka may be a little more flustered by the rush, but he could always take off and run.

Although Michigan's pass defense is last in the Big Ten, it showed a marked improvement against Minnesota. Senior Brandon Harrison's nickel back play was key in the turnaround, and there's no reason the 4-2-5 shouldn't continue to work for Michigan.

If Bacher starts, the Wildcats will have a slight advantage. If it's Kafka, they'll have a slight disadvantage.

Edge: Push

Special teams

Northwestern has really struggled in the return game this year. It doesn’t have a kick return of longer than 40 yards or a punt return of longer than 18. This could become a game of field position, especially with the wind and rain expected Saturday afternoon.

Michigan leads the nation in net punting and redshirt junior punter Zoltan Mesko is one of the team’s most consistent players.

Edge: Michigan

Intangibles

Northwestern is 6-1 against unranked teams and 1-2 against squads in the top 25. The Wildcats have taken advantage of a weak schedule to post an impressive record.

Meanwhile, the underdog is 7-3 in Michigan's games. The Wolverines have been so up-and-down this year, it's impossible to know what to expect. Michigan is favored by four, but should still have a chip on its shoulder to end the season on a positive note.

Edge: Northwestern

Prediction: Michigan 24, Northwestern 21