Michigan captured the attention of the entire college football world by flipping Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 player in the entire 2025 class, from LSU. Underwood made his debut in Michigan Stadium on Saturday as a commit to the program, so it’s not surprising that the energy being felt in Ann Arbor translated to the football field.

Two consecutive red zone drives ending in field goals should’ve left Northwestern in a comfortable position heading into halftime. Instead, the Wildcat defense did something it has done in its last four games: allow a score with seconds to go.

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia grades Michigan football's performance Saturday in its 50-6 win over Northwestern to clinch bowl eligibility.