7. Slobber-knocker extraordinaire as Northwestern visits Michigan
This contest is the antithesis of what the Big 12 is all about, as these two Big Ten teams feature a rough-and-tumble identity that is predicated on stifling defense and running the ball down opponents’ throats.
Michigan (No. 18) features the No. 2 defense in the nation, while Northwestern (No. 13) is ranked No. 10. Both teams also average more than 200 yards per game on the ground offensively. Barring random crazy plays, nobody should be surprised if the two teams fail to combine for 25 points.
Both programs are undefeated so far, but the slight edge must be given to Michigan, which has shut out its opponents the past couple of weekends — not to mention the home-field advantage.
This slobber-knocker in the making will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.