In a heart-stopping finish, the University of Michigan outlasted Northwestern 24-22 at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago, handing the Wildcats their third straight loss and keeping the Wolverines' playoff aspirations alive.
Dominic Zvada's 31-yard field goal as time expired capped off a dramatic 50-yard drive, securing a thrilling victory for No. 18 Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten). The boot came after an earlier miss from 34 and 60 yards, and sent the maize-and-blue faithful into raptures.
Michigan's Jordan Marshall led the charge with a monster performance of 142 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the game due to a minor injury. His big outing was a stark contrast to his previous effort against Purdue just two weeks ago, where he set new career highs in rushing and scoring.
However, Northwestern (5-5, 3-4) refused to back down, fighting all the way until the final whistle. With Preston Stone plowing into the end zone from the 1-yard line with just over two minutes left in the game, it seemed like the Wildcats might snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
But Michigan's defense rallied, with Braden Turner intercepting a pass intended for Deakon Tonielli and setting up Caleb Komolafe's go-ahead touchdown run. That score gave Northwestern a 22-21 lead, but the Wolverines would not be denied.
Underwood, who was coming off shaky performances in recent games against Michigan State and Purdue, completed 21 of 32 passes for 280 yards to keep his team in contention. Despite two interceptions, he expressed a renewed commitment to improvement, saying, "Just got a lot of things to work on... overall, just coming back next week being better, not making the same mistakes."
For Michigan, it was a fourth straight win and a welcome boost to their playoff hopes. Coach Sherrone Moore praised his team's resilience, saying, "You appreciate the hard work, you appreciate their fight, their grit to finish."
As for Northwestern, they host Minnesota next week before closing out the season against Illinois. With two remaining opportunities to become bowl-eligible, the Wildcats will need to regroup and refocus if they are to achieve that goal.
The Wolverines head to Maryland on November 22, while Northwestern awaits the Golden Gophers at Wrigley Field in an intriguing matchup.
Dominic Zvada's 31-yard field goal as time expired capped off a dramatic 50-yard drive, securing a thrilling victory for No. 18 Michigan (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten). The boot came after an earlier miss from 34 and 60 yards, and sent the maize-and-blue faithful into raptures.
Michigan's Jordan Marshall led the charge with a monster performance of 142 yards and two touchdowns before exiting the game due to a minor injury. His big outing was a stark contrast to his previous effort against Purdue just two weeks ago, where he set new career highs in rushing and scoring.
However, Northwestern (5-5, 3-4) refused to back down, fighting all the way until the final whistle. With Preston Stone plowing into the end zone from the 1-yard line with just over two minutes left in the game, it seemed like the Wildcats might snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
But Michigan's defense rallied, with Braden Turner intercepting a pass intended for Deakon Tonielli and setting up Caleb Komolafe's go-ahead touchdown run. That score gave Northwestern a 22-21 lead, but the Wolverines would not be denied.
Underwood, who was coming off shaky performances in recent games against Michigan State and Purdue, completed 21 of 32 passes for 280 yards to keep his team in contention. Despite two interceptions, he expressed a renewed commitment to improvement, saying, "Just got a lot of things to work on... overall, just coming back next week being better, not making the same mistakes."
For Michigan, it was a fourth straight win and a welcome boost to their playoff hopes. Coach Sherrone Moore praised his team's resilience, saying, "You appreciate the hard work, you appreciate their fight, their grit to finish."
As for Northwestern, they host Minnesota next week before closing out the season against Illinois. With two remaining opportunities to become bowl-eligible, the Wildcats will need to regroup and refocus if they are to achieve that goal.
The Wolverines head to Maryland on November 22, while Northwestern awaits the Golden Gophers at Wrigley Field in an intriguing matchup.
this just goes to show how quickly things can change in sports and life... one minute you're down, the next you're celebrating like crazy 
. I'm thinking about Jordan Marshall's performance, 142 yards in one game, that's insane! but then he gets hurt and has to sit out, it's a reminder that even at our best, we can still be taken away from us 
️. Northwestern didn't give up, though, they showed heart... but sometimes you gotta learn when to hold on tight and when to let go 
. what really stood out to me was Underwood's attitude after the game, committing to improvement and not making the same mistakes, that's a lesson for us all 
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Michigan just pulled off the wildest finish EVER Dominic Zvada's game winning FG is insane 
But Michigan's defense saved the day with Braden Turner's INT and Caleb Komolafe's go-ahead TD. Sherrone Moore is giving all the right praise to his team's grit and resilience 
And Maryland better watch out because Michigan is on fire 
and then that final drive from dom zvada was like something out of a movie 
coach moore is all about that resilience life too 
underwood's gotta step up his game next week or else tho 
! And can we talk about Jordan Marshall's performance? 142 yards and two touchdowns is on POINT 
. That interception by Braden Turner sealed the deal for Michigan 
.
, and Underwood just showed that he's got what it takes to lead his team to victory 
. This win definitely keeps Michigan's playoff hopes alive 
, and I couldn't be more hyped 
!
what a finish!!!! michigan's defense is like 
, what a game! I'm still trying to process that last-minute field goal by Michigan 
. I was on the edge of my seat when Braden Turner intercepted that pass... it was like the whole stadium held its breath 
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Let's dive into some stats and analysis 
. Michigan's Jordan Marshall was ON FIRE 
That's a huge jump from his last game against Purdue, where he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry 
.
️ with a rushing TD, but the Wildcats' defense was solid 
, holding Michigan to just 24 points 
on all cylinders, while Northwestern's defense is solid but not unbreakable 
he was on fire! 142 yards and two touchdowns is insane, especially considering he had a rough game against purdue just two weeks ago. i think it's awesome that coach sherrone moore is praising his team's resilience - that's what matters most in the end. and braden turner's interception was clutch! 
cant wait to see how both teams do next week, esp with michigan heading to maryland and northwestern facing minnesota 
24-22, who cares?! Let's be real, Jordan Marshall is the real MVP here - that 142-yard performance was straight fire 
! And Underwood, dude's got game 
Oh man, what a game! I'm still on edge thinking about that final minute drama 
. And Underwood's performance? Not bad for a guy coming off shaky games 
. For Michigan, this win keeps them in the playoff mix 
, and for Northwestern... well, they've got two chances left to become bowl-eligible 
but seriously though, both teams gave it their all and fought till the very end... it was such an intense match-up. and underwood is looking like he's on fire right now - 280 yards ain't bad for one game! 
. And that last-second field goal from Zvada?