The 4-1 No. 18 Michigan Wolverines host the 5-0 No. 13 Northwestern Wildcats in a matchup of two of the best defenses in college football. The contest likely won't feature much scoring, as the two teams are giving up only one score each per game. However, Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines are going to come out victorious. Here are three reasons why Michigan is guaranteed to beat Northwestern.
Fewer Turnovers From Jake Rudock
Rudock had a rough first two games at Michigan, throwing four interceptions. He's found some some consistency lately, throwing only two picks in the last three games. Rudock isn't much of a playmaker, but if he continues to limit his turnovers, Michigan can win with him at QB. The running game has multiple options in Derrick Green, Ty Isaac, Drake Johnson and De'Veon Smith, assuming Smith is back after missing the Maryland game.
Amazing Defense
The Wolverines have one of the best defenses in college football. Northwestern's is just as great, but Michigan is still learning D.J. Durkin's defense and improving each week. There is a reason Michigan has given up fewer (or equal) points each week and are riding back-to-back shutouts. With such a great defense that is only going to get better, Michigan will defeat Northwestern this weekend.
Northwestern's Passing Struggles
Looking at Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson's stats and it seems like he's played okay. He's completed 57 percent of his passes for 711 yards, 4 TDs and 3 INTs. He's just a freshman, but those numbers seem good enough to win games with a such a great defense. However, take away games against Ball State and Eastern Illinois, and the numbers tell a very different story. In three games against Power 5 teams, Thorson is completing 53 percent of his passes for 303 yards with 2 INTs and no touchdowns. Those are uninspiring numbers. Northwestern hasn't faced a defense as good as Michigan's and Thorson is going to have a rough game.