Michigan vs. Northwestern: Spread Info, Line, Heisman Impact and Predictions

The No. 12 Michigan Wolverines are finally on the road, as they head over to Illinois to play a very tough Northwestern Wildcats.

Northwestern is only 2-2, and 0-1 in the Big Ten, but they have a great home-field advantage at Ryan Field and are featuring a finally healthy Dan Persa under center.

Michigan is No. 12 in the land, but it is a very questionable ranking. Yes, the Wolverines are 5-0, but they haven't played many teams worth mentioning.

Denard Robinson and the Wolverines offense is explosive, but they have yet to play a legitimate football team.

They are somewhat overrated right now, so a big win would help solidify their ranking.

Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL.

When: Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. EST

Watch: Big Ten Network

Spread: Michigan -8

I think the Wildcats are going to keep this game close, so it's a tough spread to call.

Over/Under: 60

These two teams know how to score—last week Michigan almost covered this by themselves. I feel good about taking the over.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries:

Michigan: running back Michael Cox questionable (undisclosed), offensive lineman Ricky Barnum questionable (ankle), linebacker Cameron Gordon questionable (back). 

Northwestern: quarterback Dan Persa probable (achilles), cornerback Mike Bolden questionable (leg), wide receiver Tony James questionable (leg), defensive lineman Brian Arnfelt questionable (foot), running back Mike Trumpy out for the season (knee).

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications:

This game has to be huge for the Wolverines. Many people, including myself, consider the Wolverines to be very overrated, so a big win on the road would go a long way towards proving their legitimacy.

Heisman Impact:

It's no secret that Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is one of the most explosive players in the nation. He's got another chance to put up some big numbers against Northwestern. He needs to be much more accurate and not turn the ball over as much though, to be considered anything more than a hype pick.

Keys to Michigan Win:

We all know Michigan's offense can score, but what about their defense? They have looked good against inferior opponents, but Northwestern is arguably the best offense they will be facing so far. If they get a few stops or turnovers on defense, then they have a shot.

Keys to Northwestern Win:

Quarterback Dan Persa has been dealing with injuries for the greater part of the past year. He's supposedly healthy and ready to go, which is bad news for the Wolverines. When healthy, Persa was one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten last year, and he makes the Wildcats a very dangerous team.

Prediction:

Michigan is on the road for the first time all year and is extremely overrated. Northwestern will pull this one out with Persa under center.

Northwestern 40, Michigan 35