
Michigan football: 5 things I'd like to see from the Wolverines against Wisconsin
Michigan has won five games in a row since its loss in the season-opener at Notre Dame, and the Wolverines have looked good doing it most of the time.
But there’s been no opponent like No. 15 Wisconsin during that winning streak, so things get turned up a notch Saturday in the Big House (7:30 p.m. ET; TV: ABC). It’s a primetime showdown that should be spectacular.
Here are five things I want to see from Michigan this weekend against Wisconsin:
1. Avoid digging a hole in the first quarter
It’s often very difficult to criticize a group that’s ranked No. 1 in the country, but we have one obvious flaw with that Michigan defense that’s first in the nation in yards allowed. That’s been their occasional slow starts. They allowed two long touchdown drives on Notre Dame’s first two possessions in the loss and allowed 17 points on Northwestern’s first three possessions two weeks ago. That can’t happen against Wisconsin, because you dig a hole against the Badgers and their running game might just take over.
2. Make Wisconsin defense question itself again
Wisconsin was perceived to be a College Football Playoff contender in the preseason, but what we’ve learned so far is that its defense isn’t nearly as good as we thought it would be. They’re giving up 350 yards per game, which is shocking, and it’s 120 more than Michigan allows. BYU, in its upset, proved that you could line up and run right at the Badgers with success. Michigan needs to do the same, and put that Badgers defense on the ropes. Put doubt in their heads.
3. Shea Patterson plays big role in converting third downs
Quarterback Shea Patterson has proven that he can win games with both his arms and his legs. He’s also the biggest difference with these two teams compared to a year ago when Wisconsin won in Madison. Patterson is a legitimate big-time quarterback and he’s playing with a lot of confidence right now. The key to beating a team like Wisconsin is to sustain long drives and get points at the end. To do that, that means converting on third down. Patterson has been great at making plays on third down, and that will have to continue on Saturday
4. Keep Jonathan Taylor in check, especially early
Jonathan Taylor, the Wisconsin running back who might just be the best back in the country, is capable of turning a game around himself. Michigan can’t let that happen. The best way to win this game is by keeping him under control, especially early in the game. If Michigan can get a lead, that would force Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook to get one-dimensional, and that could be a problem.
5. Want to be the best? Then show it
All the goals Michigan has set for itself this season are still very much attainable, and it would sure help a lot to get a win Saturday against a ranked opponent like Wisconsin. There’s still some doubt on the national level as to how good Michigan is, and that No. 12 ranking in the AP poll validates that. Heck, there are even four one-loss teams still ahead of them in the rankings, which is somewhat surprising considering that Michigan’s loss is to unbeaten Notre Dame. It’s Statement Saturday in Ann Arbor on national TV in primetime. Go get a win, and look good doing it.