ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are back in action with a traditional Big Ten matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Wolverines had two weeks to prepare following an impressive win at Nebraska against the Cornhuskers, 30-27.
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Michigan has showcased a powerful run game and a resilient defense through the first four games of the 2025 season.
Michigan’s rushing attack ranks eighth in the FBS, averaging 253.5 yards per game.
Six different players have scored rushing touchdowns this year, with at least three different rushing scorers in each of the past two games.
The offensive line has been a key factor, paving the way for 15 rushing touchdowns while allowing only four sacks despite multiple lineup changes due to injuries.
Justice Haynes
Running back Justice Haynes leads the ground game with four consecutive 100-yard rushing games, the longest streak since Blake Corum’s eight straight in 2022.
Haynes averages 134.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third nationally, and boasts an impressive 8.14 yards per carry with six touchdowns.
He has recorded 11 runs of 10 or more yards, including long runs of 56, 59, and 75 yards (twice).
Jordan Marshall
Backfield mate Jordan Marshall averages 5.3 yards per carry and recently posted a career-long 54-yard touchdown run at Nebraska.
Bryce Underwood
Quarterback Bryce Underwood has contributed three rushing touchdowns, including a 37-yard scoring run—the longest by a Michigan quarterback since 2018.
Defense
Defensively, Michigan has been stout against the run, allowing just 77.5 yards per game (10th in FBS) and 2.3 yards per carry.
Only Oklahoma has scored a rushing touchdown against the Wolverines this season.
The pass rush has been formidable, averaging 3.5 sacks per game (sixth nationally) and contributing to the defense’s ninth-ranked tackle for loss average of eight per game.
Jaishawn Barham leads the team with 3.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Linebacker Ernest Hausmann leads the defense with 29 tackles through four games, while Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder also contribute significantly.
Defensive back Brandyn Hillman leads the secondary with 20 tackles.
Michigan’s defense has limited opponents’ scoring in the fourth quarter, allowing only two field goals and one touchdown.
Michigan recorded seven sacks against Nebraska’s quarterback Dylan Riyola, with standout performances from Barham and Derrick Moore.
Head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of focusing on the present game and noted that the team’s depth chart is constantly evolving.
“This is a long season. All we can do is worry about this game,” said Moore.
The men in maize coming off the bye are in need of a reliable No. 1 receiver, as Fredrick Moore has left the program.
Saturday is the return of veteran defensive back Rod Moore, who brings leadership and experience to the secondary. Moore has been out for 16 months and hasn’t stepped on the field inside the Big House since his clutch interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2023.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale shared insights on the team’s aggressive defensive style and praised the position coaches for instilling a strong personality in each group.
He also noted the importance of practice habits and depth in the roster.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin enters the game with the nation’s best run defense, allowing just 50 rushing yards per game.
Sherrone described Wisconsin’s defense as physical and gap-sound, with strong linebackers and active safeties.
Assistant coach/tight ends coach Steve Casula discussed the challenge of facing the Badgers’ defense and the importance of utilizing the tight end group effectively.
The Badgers have faced offensive struggles and injuries, with uncertainty around their quarterback situation.
With that being said, you could expect Michigan’s aggressive defense to capitalize on these challenges.
The rivalry between Michigan and Wisconsin is a storied Big Ten tradition, with memorable moments like Jourdan Lewis’ one-handed interception in 2018 still fresh in fans’ memories.
After a few years without meeting, the teams are set to renew their contest in the Big House.
With a noon kickoff on Saturday (Oct. 4), excitement is high among players, coaches, and fans alike as Michigan aims to build on its strong start to the season while advancing to 4-1 on the season.
History
The Wolverines hold a commanding 57-17-1 lead in the all-time series.
Michigan has a 24-7 record in games played at Michigan Stadium, with an overall 29-8 mark in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines have won 20 of the last 29 games against Wisconsin and 34 of the last 44 matchups.
Michigan holds a 24-7 advantage over Wisconsin, specifically at Michigan Stadium.
Wisconsin ranks as the sixth most common opponent for Michigan, with 70 previous contests between the two teams.
The last meeting between the programs was in 2021, when Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-17 in Madison.
Wisconsin won the last game played in Ann Arbor, a 49-11 victory during the 2020 COVID-19 season, which was held in an empty Michigan Stadium.
This upcoming game will mark Sherrone’s first matchup against the Badgers as part of Michigan’s coaching staff.
The Wolverines have won seven of the last 10 meetings and 19 of the last 21 games played at the Big House.