Michigan defeats Northwestern, 38-0: Full highlights, final score and more

Two ranked teams in Northwestern and Michigan battled in a Big Ten showdown on Saturday afternoon.

The No. 13 Northwestern Wildcats came into the Big House to face the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in a marquee Big Ten contest on Saturday. This ranking was the highest for Northwestern in 14 years and Michigan had been steadily climbing the AP Poll under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Through one quarter, Michigan went up 21-0. This is notable because coming into this game, Northwestern’s season high in points allowed was 19. Wolverines kick return Jehu Chesson opened up offensive onslaught with a 96-yard kick return to rattle the Wildcats right off the bat.

Then, when the game was at 14-0, Michigan signal caller Jake Rudock ran in the ball in for a two-yard touchdown. This added to what was one of his better performances of the year.

To make the game 28-0, Michigan defensive back Jourdan Lewis picked off Clayton Thorson and returned the ball to the end zone to make for the last score before the half.

In the second half, Michigan added a field goal and a four-yard touchdown from Derrick Green. This finished off the game at 38-0 and marked Michigan’s third straight shutout victory.

Three stars

Jake Rudock, Quarterback, Michigan – Rudock finished 17-for-23 passing for 179 yards and even had a rushing touchdown. This was only his second game without a turnover.

Jourdan Lewis, Defensive Back, Michigan – Lewis had the shining defensive highlight of the day with an 37-yard pick six late in the first half to put the score even more out of reach.

De’Veon Smith, Running Back, Michigan – Smith finished the game with 59 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving, the highest non-quarterback yard total of the contest.

Highlights

Michigan’s Jehu Chesson opened up the game with a 96-yard kick return for a touchdown to get a quick 7-0 lead.

When Michigan led 14-0, Jake Rudock ran into the end zone on a 2-yard rush to make the game 21-0.

Jourdan Lewis had the final score of the first half after he picked off Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson for a pick six.

Next Week

Next Saturday, the Wolverines will be hosting the Michigan State Spartans in a heated rivalry matchup. Both teams will be highly ranked in the AP Poll, so there will be a lot on the line in this game. The Wildcats will head back home to host Iowa next Saturday as well.