Michigan vs. Northwestern: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

The Michigan Wolverines are taking their first road trip of the season to face the Northwestern Wildcats.

It will be a good one and we will see if this No. 12-ranked Michigan team is for real against an underrated Northwestern squad that played Illinois very close and took care of the Boston College Eagles.

Keep reading to find out more about this exciting Big Ten matchup.

Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill.

When: Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: Big Ten Network

Listen: WWJ 950 AM – Michigan, WGN 720 AM – Northwestern

Betting Line: Michigan -7.5

Injury Report for Michigan (via CollegeInjuryReport.com)

OL Ricky Barnum – QST (Ankle) – Barnum is a starter at left guard but may not make the trip to Northwestern due to this ankle injury. Michael Schofield is his backup.

LB Cam Gordon – QST (Back) – As a freshman last season, Gordon totaled 77 tackles and was a big contributor on defense. He has been ailing all season long and may not return in time for this upcoming game.

Injury Report for Northwestern (via CollegeInjuryReport.com)

RB Mike Trumpy – OUT (Knee) – The starting RB tore his ACL against the Fighting Illini. This is a huge blow as he was leading the team in rushing yards this season. He will miss the remainder of the season.

QB Dan Persa – QST (Achilles) – Persa was first-team all-Big Ten last season but did not play until the Illini game last week. He shortly returned to the sideline after re-injuring the same spot. He is questionable to play this week.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

The Michigan Wolverines have clawed their way up to No. 12 in the AP Top 25 poll and would hate to lose any ground, especially with a defeat against a 2-2 Northwestern team without their No. 1 options at QB or RB.

Michigan is on pace to make a BCS bowl if they continue this run of dominance, but their schedule gets much tougher down the line, so a win here is critical.

Northwestern could play spoiler to Michigan’s dream season by knocking them out here at home, but I don’t see it happening. The team simply is too banged up and too inexperienced to compete against Denard Robinson and Co. this year.

Key Storyline

Michigan playing their first road game of the season.

The Wolverines have been dominant and home and their defense especially has been rock-solid.

The question is, and we will find out Saturday night, is if the team can keep their composure away from the Big House.

I certainly believe they can, but we will have to see to be sure.

What They’re Saying

Kyle Meinke of AnnArbor.com has found that Michigan is still not completely satisfied with their No. 2 in the nation defense.

After the 58-0 demolishing of Minnesota some players weren’t happy.

"

"It looks encouraging, if you look at the stats and watch the game as a fan," defensive tackle Ryan Van Bergen said Monday during the team's weekly news conference.

"But as a player, when you know what other guys are capable of, and you know what their assignment was, and you still are able to make the play regardless of the fact someone might have had a (missed assignment), or a small mental error, you want to see the team play clicking on all cylinders."

"

I think he’s being a little rough on his teammates.

Player to Watch for Michigan: Denard Robinson

This kid just simply has incredible talent and is one of the best QBs in the nation right now. He is certainly on my Heisman watch list.

Player to Watch for Northwestern: Dan Persa

Northwestern really could use Persa on the field if they want a chance to win this game.

Key Matchup: Michigan Defense vs. Northwestern Offense

The Michigan defense is stout and has been playing amazingly at home, but can they handle the road test, especially if Persa plays?

He adds another element to their offense and will be tough to stop, even for a unit as good as the Wolverines.

It will be a heck of a challenge for both sides.

Prediction: Michigan 35, Northwestern 24