UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Wrigley Field, the Northwestern Wildcats narrowly lost to the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines with a final score of 24-22 after a dramatic last-minute drive by Michigan.
As the clock ticked down, Northwestern took a 22-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, igniting hopes of a major upset. However, Michigan’s potent offense surged back, setting up an easy kick for Dominic Zvada that sealed the game.
Northwestern’s defense played valiantly, showcasing a strong performance that limited Michigan’s rushing game to just 185 yards in the first half. Star pass rusher Anto Saka delivered a highlight-reel moment by forcing a fumble during a critical play, contributing to a total of five turnovers for the Wildcats.
Despite this, Northwestern struggled on offense, settling for three field goals before finally scoring a touchdown to take the lead. The Wildcats had opportunities to extend their edge but failed to capitalize on key drives, leaving their defense to fend off Michigan’s late-game onslaught.
Michigan’s quarterback, true freshman Bryce Underwood, started the game strong, completing an impressive 10 of 11 passes early on, ultimately finishing with 280 passing yards and two interceptions. His performance, alongside fellow freshman Andrew Marsh, who racked up 135 yards on nine receptions, proved crucial in the Wolverines’ comeback.
The loss leaves Northwestern fans reflecting on what could have been—a victory that would have been a defining moment in their season.
As college football continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Northwestern as they regroup and prepare for their next challenge. The Wildcats’ ability to build on this performance may determine their trajectory moving forward.
Stay tuned for further developments as Northwestern analyzes their near-upset against Michigan.
