What They're Saying: Michigan 14, Wisconsin 7
Michigan defeated No. 8 Wisconsin on Saturday in The Big House, 14-7, in an old-fashioned, grind-it-out Big Ten showdown. Michigan’s defense dominated Wisconsin, holding the Badgers to 159 yards of offense, including just 71 on the ground.
The Maize and Blue’s offense stalled throughout much of the game, though, as three missed field goals nearly doomed the Wolverines. However, redshirt sophomore quarterback Wilton Speight stepped up when the Wolverines needed him most, tossing a perfectly thrown 46-yard touchdown pass to fifth-year senior receiver Amara Darboh with just 7:56 left in the game.
Senior cornerback Jourdan Lewis proceeded to make an incredible one-handed interception on Wisconsin’s final possession to seal the victory. Find out what they’re saying about the win here:
Garrett Fishaw, Bleacher Report: Wisconsin vs. Michigan: Game Grades, Analysis for the Wolverines
“Offense: C-
“Coming into the game, Michigan was averaging 52 points per game. That was not the case Saturday as Wisconsin's stout defense played extremely well, stifling the Wolverines throughout the game. That was especially the case for the offensive line, which struggled to open up holes in the running game and pass protect on 3rd-and-long plays, and Wilton Speight, who had trouble with his accuracy once again.
“While struggles were happening all over the place, including drops from receivers, Speight and Amara Darboh connected twice in the fourth quarter. The first pass was a beautiful slant route to pick up a third down, and then the two connected on a 46-yard touchdown to put the Wolverines up for good.
“There are plenty of questions to be answered moving forward as the offense never got into a rhythm against its first real test. But, a win's a win.”
Anthony Broome, Maize N Brew: Takeaways from Michigan’s 14-7 win over Wisconsin
“A win is a win is a win...
“That statement is true, but Michigan gave up a lot of opportunities to extend their lead and really put a stamp on this one. Kenny Allen missed a pair of field goals and Ryan Tice missed one of his own.
“Wilton Speight threw his first interception since the first snap of the season and had a few errant throws throughout the day. Penalties also became an issue.
“At the end of the day, people are going to be worried about what they saw, but this all occurred against one of the best teams in college football and the Wolverines got it done.
“A road trip to Rutgers awaits and then there is a bye week before they come home to play Illinois. There is a lot of time to fix the fixable things and get better and what they already do.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: No. 4 Michigan 14, No. 8 Wisconsin 7: Five things we learned
“Michigan won a big game, OK?”
“Through all those mistakes, the Wolverines still proved something with the victory against the Badgers. Michigan had lost its past 10 games against Top 10 opponents, the last victory coming on Sept, 27, 2008, in a 27-25 comeback win against none other than Wisconsin. That should silence some of the critics, but Michigan’s biggest tests the rest of the way will still come on the road. The Wolverines have had five straight home games heading into next week’s trip to Rutgers. The road games at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State still loom. There’s work to do before catching No. 2 Ohio State, but the Wolverines are 5-0 and finally won a “big game.” That’s a start.”
Larry Lage, Kenosha News: No. 4 Michigan stifles No. 8 Wisconsin 14-7
“Wisconsin:
“The Badgers never led. They were coming off a 30-6 win against then-No. 8 Michigan State on the road following a season-opening victory against then-No. 5 LSU.
“They could not overcome the turnovers made by Hornibrook and failed to establish their running game, getting held to just 71 yards on the ground.
“You look at yourself and areas that you can do better,” Chryst said. “And yet, you still have to give the opponent credit and I think that’s what today was.”
“Michigan:
“The Wolverines suddenly have some serious woes on special teams. Allen’s misses dropped him to 4 of 8 on field goals this season. The Wolverines were also plagued by penalties on punts.”
“GAME BALL
“Channing Stribling: The Michigan senior cornerback had two interceptions and helped limit UW’s leading receiver, Jazz Peavy, to one catch for seven yards.
“THUMBS UP
“T.J. Watt: Even without his tag-team partner Vince Biegel in the lineup, Watt was still a menace. The junior outside linebacker finished with 11 tackles overall, including two for loss, and upped his season sack total to 5½.
“THUMBS DOWN
“UW’s offensive line: Michigan’s defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage most of the game. Not only did the Badgers have a tough time opening up holes in the running game, quarterback Alex Hornibrook was under constant pressure.”