Dan Feldman:

Redshirt freshman quarterback Steven Threet will play more than redshirt sophomore Nick Sheridan. As well as Sheridan played at Minnesota, he's not that good. His deficiencies will show against a Northwestern defense that frequently gets to the quarterback. Threet will replace him early in the game.

Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer will secure his job for next season. The Wolverines' defense is in the midst of a disastrous year. The unit is just two points shy of securing its worst scoring average ever for a season. But the 4-2-5 is exactly what this team needs, and Michigan will turn in back-to-back dominant defensive performances for the first time this year.

Michigan will win 16-13. The Wolverines' 4-2-5 defense will keep them in the game. And even though Michigan's offense has struggled in the red zone, fifth-year senior kicker K.C. Lopata has returned to form.

Courtney Ratkowiak:

Martavious Odoms will fumble at least one kickoff. The Wolverines have slowly improved their return game this season, but the predicted bad weather will bring out the worst. Despite Odoms's strong performance at slot receiver against Minnesota on Saturday, he still fumbled in the red zone.

Mike Massey will have his best game of the season. Rodriguez said Monday he might start more seniors than usual this weekend. Massey will likely be one who benefits. Playing instead of freshman tight end Kevin Koger, Massey will want to make an impact in his last home game.

Michigan will win 21-13. The rain will keep the score low and the Wolverines won't play as clean a game as last week, but they'll come out on top. It's about time they started a winning streak.

Ian Robinson:

The student section will be as empty as it has been in recent memory. In the Northwestern game two years ago, the Michigan Stadium crowd was the fewest 109,114 people I had ever seen. The rain and wind made for an uncomfortable day at the corner of Stadium and Main. Those conditions will make for an equally empty bowl Saturday.

Freshman Michael Shaw will show he is just as good as freshman Sam McGuffie. So far, Shaw has displayed flashes of his potential. A groin injury held him back, but he was on par with McGuffie before the season. Now that his injury problems are behind him, he will put on a show.

Michigan will win 20-16. In a wet, wild and freezing cold affair, the Wolverines will finish their home schedule with a win and leave the "what if?" thought in the minds of Michigan fans heading into next weekend.

Nate Sandals:

Threet will not play significant minutes. Threet hasn't fully recovered from the concussion he suffered against Purdue. While he's certainly well enough to practice, the coaching staff knows that concussions can be dangerous. Rodriguez and company would rather that Threet have another week off, so don't expect to see No. 10 under center unless Nick Sheridan is really struggling.

Carlos Brown will be back on the field. The junior running back has been sidelined by an ankle injury since the Wisconsin game. But he's been on the field in practice and looks healthy. Rodriguez said Brown would play if he can get through practice without limping. It looks like Brown is at that stage.

Michigan will win 23-14. It's all on the defense once again. The 4-2-5 was impressive last week, but Northwestern presents its own set of tests. If Michigan keeps putting pressure on the quarterback, Northwestern's offense will be held in check.