Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan Wolverines | Week 8 College Football Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 12:00pm

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Spread: Michigan -23.5

Northwestern has gone 26-13 ATS in the Big 10 since 2017, but this week they face a defense that ranks 7th in PPG allowed at home. Northwestern has only averaged 15 points on the road, which ranks as 117th best in the country. They also rank 97th in yards per play, which isn’t good vs a stout defense. Michigan comes in going 9-1 SU in their last 10 vs Northwestern, and have won 3 straight where they’ve averaged 22 ppg to NW 8 ppg.

It’s an intimidating number for Michigan since they have gone 4-11 ATS in their last 15 as 21 plus point favorites, and teams are 5-0 ATS the week after facing Rutgers, which is who Northwestern just faced, however, MICH has been playing stellar football going 5-1 ATS, while owning a +6 Turnover differential. They’ve also had 13 days to prep for this game, 7 more days than Northwestern.

It’s rare Northwestern sees a number like this, but it’s for good reason. Harbaugh has his teams play hard the week before facing Michigan State where they are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 years.

Pick: Michigan Wolverines -23.5