5 Early Predictions for Michigan vs. Wisconsin This Saturday at Michigan Stadium

The Michigan Wolverines have a chance to improve their 2025-26 record to 4-1 with Luke Fickell's Wisconsin Badgers headed to Ann Arbor for a noon kickoff this coming Saturday.

Big name college football personalities will be on hand outside Michigan Stadium as Bryce Underwood readies himself for his fifth career start and third home game.

The Wolverines are favored by 16.5 points headed into the game against the Badgers with the over/under set at 42.5 points.

Freshman quarterbacks typically don't fare well in Big Ten Conference games, but Underwood is no average freshman.

Michigan holds a big edge on defense and in the running game with over 110,000 fans expected to fill the stands in Ann Arbor.

Here are five predictions for Saturday's game with a focus on coach Sherrone Moore's Wolverines.

5. Wisconsin Will Hang Tough in the First Half-

The Badgers have the type of possession passing game that could cause the Wolverines to cede first downs on defense.

Quarterback Danny O'Neil has been intercepted five times this season but he has done a good job of spreading the ball around to multiple receivers.

Michigan has the talent to intercept O'Neil multiple times but the prediction here is that the Badgers' QB will fare well at different points in the game as defensive coordinator Wink Martindale works to figure out he and the offense's timing.

4. Michigan Will Force at Least One Fumble-

The Badgers will play keep-away throughout the afternoon in hopes of keeping Michigan's explosive rushing game off the field.

Michigan will key in on the Badgers' receivers and running backs and eventually punch the ball out one or more times, recovering at least one fumble on the day.

3. Bryce Underwood Will Throw at Least One Interception-

The Badgers' defense is loaded with grad students, juniors and seniors.

Underwood is in a position where he has the talent to take over games but is still wrestling with the challenges of sky high expectations.

Expect Underwood to throw at least one interception as he continues to figure things out behind center.

2. Jordan Marshall Will Lead Michigan in Rushing-

Marshall showed impeccable strength, burst, moves and vision against Nebraska on the road, putting him in line for increased carries against a physically strong defense.

Expect Justice Haynes' 100-yard game streak to start the season to come to an end this week with Marshall starring in Michigan's ground game, rushing for two touchdowns and 80 or more yards in a grind-it-out type of effort.

1. Michigan Will Win, But Fail to Cover-

This week's 16.5-point spread feels like a big reach against a Badgers team playing for embattled coach Luke Fickell's Wisconsin life.

Michigan has the raw talent, swarming defense and high-octane rushing game to break this game wide open.

Wisconsin has the edge in intangibles and experience in key areas.

Expect a close first half with Michigan going up 20-10 in the second half before giving up a late touchdown.

Michigan will win by a score of 20-17 — "Closer than the experts think," as former Indiana coach and College GameDay legend Lee Corso often said.