Michigan football defeated Wisconsin, 24-7, in a game that was more defined by what Michigan failed to do than what it did.
The offense was disjointed all game as Bryce Underwood struggled to connect with his receivers, but found some rhythm deep in the fourth quarter despite banging up his hand in the first half. He ultimately finished the game recording a career high in passing yards with 270.
Justice Haynes (19 carries, 117 yards) was a standout for the Wolverines, recording two of the Wolverines’ three touchdowns. Donaven McCulley was crucial to Michigan’s second-half efforts, scoring a touchdown and ending with 112 yards receiving on six catches.
True freshman Andrew Marsh was also frequently targeted, and he and Underwood found good chemistry throughout the game. Marsh had 80 receiving yards on four catches.
The Badgers held up at the line of scrimmage, forcing a low-scoring, scrappy battle. Wisconsin third-string QB Hunter Simmons performed well, completing 18 of 29 passes for 177 yards.
Here’s what happened during the Michigan-Wisconsin football game, with highlight clips included.
Bryce Underwood stats vs Wisconsin
Underwood passed for a career-high 270 yards with one touchdown, completing 19-for-28 passes.
Michigan defeats Wisconsin, 24-10
END 4Q: Michigan recovered an attempted onside kick from Wisconsin at Wisconsin 43 and advanced all the way to the 3rd yard line before time expired. Sherrone Moore likely could have taken a timeout to stop the clock and score the touchdown but opted to simply let the clock expire. Michigan wins, 24-10.
Wisconsin kicks field goal; Michigan leads, 24-10
4Q, 2:43: Wisconsin was rolling on this drive, moving forward mostly by small yardage but consistently advancing. The Badgers were at the 5-yard line and likely on the way a touchdown but recorded their third false start penalty of the day, setting them back to the 10-yard line. QB Hunter Simmons was then sacked for a loss of 12 yards, ending hope of a touchdown. They settled for a field goal, bringing the score to 24-10.
Bryce Underwood records career-high passing yards, Justice Haynes scores again as Michigan leads Wisconsin 24-7
4Q, 9:24: Michigan’s offense seemed to finally click with under 10 minutes to go in the game. QB Bryce Underwood and WR Semaj Morgan finally connected on a pass, with Morgan getting 12 yards on top of the pass. RB Justice Haynes continued to carry the offense, recording 3 straight carries for 23 yards. Then, Underwood and WR Donaven McCulley connected for another pass for a 25-yard gain. Wisconsin took another false start, moving the Wolverines half a yard in towards the goal line, where Haynes took it in for the score. On the drive, Underwood surpassed his Michigan career passing yard high as he recorded 264 passing yards.
Michigan turns ball over on downs
4Q, 13:08: Despite a decent drive from Michigan, including more big plays from WR Donaven McCulley and a 16-yard run from RB Justice Haynes, the Wolverines again could not score. On 4th and 2, QB Bryce Underwood attempted a rush up the middle only to be stuffed for a loss of three yards. he fumbled and recovered the ball as well. Michigan turned it over on downs.
The receiver struggles continued to plague Michigan on this drive. At one point, Underwood scrambled and found a wide open WR Kendrick Bell in the middle of the field. Throwing it cross body on the run, Underwood hit Bell. But Bell could not secure the catch. It’s been a real issue for the Wolverines. Underwood is (mostly) throwing catchable balls, but the receivers can’t bring them in.
Rod Moore interception
3Q, 2:29: Rod Moore intercepted a deep ball from QB Hunter Simmons and was mobbed by his teammates. It is only Moore’s second game back after a year off the field as he rehabbed from a torn ACL and meniscus, and he has made multiple big plays already in this game. DB Jyaire Hill got away with what is almost certainly pass interference on that play as well.
Donaven McCulley catch ruled complete, then scores a touchdown; Michigan leads Wisconsin 17-7
There is life in Michigan’s offense. It appeared as though QB Bryce Underwood and WR Donaven McCulley connected on a 33-yard throw, but it was initially ruled incomplete as McCulley was seemingly out of bounds. After review, it was overturned and ruled a completed pass. Michigan advanced to the WIS34, where Underwood hit McCulley again for a six-yard pass that McCulley then ran in for the touchdown. Michigan extends its lead to 10 as it leads Wisconsin 17-7.
Hudson Hollenbeck is the star of the game as Michigan punts again
3Q, 6:50: P Hudson Hollenbeck will probably never get as much field time as he has this game. Michigan’s offense is falling apart as RB Justice Haynes lost three yards on his drive and QB Bryce Underwood and TE Marlin Klein connected on a ten-yard pass but couldn’t connect on another one to get the first down. The disconnect between Underwood and his receivers has been evident, but it seems to be more on the receivers’ end than on Underwood’s throwing.
Dominic Zvada misses kick as Michigan’s first drive of the half falls apart
3Q, 9:26: What looked like Michigan’s best drive of the game quickly turned into a disaster. Initially, the Wolverines appeared to be making good progress. WR Andrew Marsh continued to impress in his first start, recording a 26-yard catch for 29 yards. Meanwhile, WR Semaj Morgan, who already had one drop in today’s game, nearly had a second one as he bobbled a laser from QB Bryce Underwood. He managed to reel it in only to immediately fumble it when he got hit but then recover it. The Wolverines then ran a series of plays that went nowhere in the red zone, ending in 4th and 9. K Dominic Zvada then missed his third kick of the season, this one wide left from only 27 yards.
Michigan-Wisconsin first half: Wolverines offense struggles
Michigan’s offense is currently stagnating. QB Bryce Underwood is only 4-for-9 with 55 yards right now, and the rushers have combined for 87 yards, with 62 of those coming from RB Justice Haynes. Defensively, the Wolverines have recorded 36 tackles but no sacks.
The punting continues, Michigan’s defense shows up
END 2Q: Michigan’s offense was forced to punt again, but the defense continued to show out, again pressuring Wisconsin into punting. The half ended with Michigan deep in its own territory and struggling to move the ball forward.
Wisconsin’s fourth punt of the game
For the fourth time, Wisconsin punted it despite needing only two yards on third down and having called a timeout before the third down. The punt went high and a bit short, going 44 yards and landing at UM23.
Underwood leads drive, settles for field goal; Michigan 10, Wisconsin 7
2Q, 5:43: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood finally rose to attention on this drive, kicking it off with a six-yard drive. Later, the true freshman connected with fellow true freshman WR Andrew Marsh on a deep 32-yard ball. It was a good throw but an even better catch from Marsh. The drive ultimately stalled after Underwood was sacked and then threw a real duck pass, and the Wolverines settled for a field goal from K Dominic Zvada.
Wisconsin punts for the third time
2Q, 9:10: The Sickos Committee has to be loving this game. Wisconsin punts again after a great stop from EDGE Jaishawn Barham and EDGE Derrick Moore on QB Hunter Simmons. The punt only went 32 yards as LB Troy Bowles got a hand on it. Michigan takes over at UM34.
Michigan also punts again
This game is rapidly looking like Iowa playing itself as Michigan again failed to gain a first down on 3rd and 1. P Hunter Hollenbeck punted the ball 57 yards to WIS15.
Wisconsin punts again
2Q, 14:09: Wisconsin only managed to gain five yards on three plays and were forced to punt again. Michigan takes over at UM19.
Michigan ruled short on first down, punts
1Q, 0:56: After official review, Michigan was ruled to have not made the first down and were forced to punt it. P Hudson Hollenbeck sent the ball 48 yards to the WIS29.
Michigan measures for 1st down, under review
1Q, 1:14: Michigan had a poor attempt on 3rd and 1 that resulted in an uncertain spot on the field. The officials measured it and found that Michigan did make the first down, albeit barely. The play is now under further review.
Wisconsin false-starts
1Q, 3:05: The Badgers make a poor mistake and take a false starting penalty while Michigan was on its own 2-yard line. That bumped Michigan to the 7-yard line, giving the Wolverines breathing room.
Wisconsin punts
1Q, 3:05: RB Dilin Jones continued to gash the Wolverines’ defense, but two near-sacks on QB Hunter Simmons forced Wisconsin to punt it away. Michigan takes over at UM02.
Justice Haynes ties game for Michigan, 7-7
1Q, 6:02: After a poor start to the drive with an underthrown ball where Michigan advanced on a pass interference call, the Wolverines settled down and made short work of the Badgers. In just two minutes, RB Justice Haynes had a 43-yard run and multiple other rushes, including the scoring touchdown. Michigan ties it up, 7-7.
Dilin Jones scores for Wisconsin to open game; Wisconsin leads Michigan, 7-0
1Q, 8:10: Wisconsin did a decent job moving the ball on this first drive. QB Hunter Simmons completed a few short passes to open receivers in the middle of the field and RB Dilin Jones took nearly every rush. Jones was eventually the one to score the touchdown. The drive covered 75 yards and 12 plays and took about 7 minutes to complete. Wisconsin 7, Michigan 0.
Michigan wins coin toss
Wisconsin called tails and it was heads. Michigan deferred to second half. Wisconsin will receive the starting kickoff.
Andrew Marsh starts at WR
Michigan announced that WR Andrew Marsh will be a starting wide receiver this game. Marsh is a true freshman and is getting an opportunity as the Wolverines deal with an increased number of drops from their wide receivers.
The Big House fills up
The stadium is filling up with maize as Wolverines fans enter for Homecoming Weekend.
Carlos Monarrez’s prediction
The Sherrone Moore era resumes! Just in time to possibly end the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin. If the Wolverines trounce the offensively inept Badgers the way they should in Moore’s emotional return from suspension, Fickell should just jump on a Greyhound and head south to native Columbus, Ohio. Wisconsin has stout run defense, but that’s only going to stem the tide until Bryce Underwood the U-M’s offense starts running it up. The pick: U-M 37, Wisconsin 10.
Wisconsin digs deep for quarterback
Wisconsin’s starting QB against Maryland, Billy Edwards Jr., has been ruled out for today’s game. Tony Garcia reports that the Badgers will not be going with QB Danny O’Neil as the replacement, however. Instead, grad transfer QB Hunter Simmons will be starting for Wisconsin.
Michigan football vs Wisconsin availability report
Michigan: OUT FOR SEASON: WR I’Marion Stewart, RB Donovan Johnson, LB Jaydon Hood, OL Andrew Babalola, EDGE Devon Baxter, WR CJ Charleston. OUT: QB Davis Warren, RB Micah Ka’apana. QUESTIONABLE: OL Giovanni El-Hadi, OL Brady Norton, TE Hogan Hansen.
Tony Garcia’s prediction
Normally, Michigan and Wisconsin is a prime time Big Ten matchup, featuring two heavyweight running teams and elite defenses that trade blows back and forth until one finally lands the knockout. This will not be one of those games. Wisconsin has not done anything particularly well this season while U-M is a team that’s designed to make teams pay if they can’t match them across the line. Michigan will be the first team to have its way on the ground with the Badgers, who will set the tone and open up a passing game that’s been good, but not quite what the team hoped. Meanwhile the defense − led by Jaishawn Barham’s move to the edge − should have a field day. The pick: Michigan 31, Wisconsin 10
Michigan football vs. Wisconsin pregame availability report
Michigan Week 4 availability: OUT: WR I’Marion Stewart, DB Zeke Berry, DB Caleb Anderson, QB Davis Warren, DB Tevis Metcalf, RB Micah Ka’apana, RB Donovan Johnson, RB John Volker, LB Jaydon Hood, OL Gio El-Hadi, OL Andrew Babalola, DL Manuel Beigel, TE Hogan Hansen, WR Devon Baxter, WR C.J. Charleston, DL Ike Iwunnah; QUESTIONABLE: DB Shamari Earls, QB Mikey Keene, DB Rod Moore, DB Mason Curtis, OL Brady Norton
Wisconsin Missed Week 4: OUT: TE Tucker Ashcraft, S Preston Zachman, S Luke Emmerich, DL Charles Perkins, LB Evan Van Dyn Hoven, OL Kevin Heywood, OL Jake Renfro, OL Barrett Nelson, WR Ben Lemirand, DL Torin Pettaway; QUESTIONABLE: QB Billy Edwards Jr., OL Kerry Kodanko, LB Corey Walker
What time does Michigan vs Wisconsin start today?
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4.
Time: Noon ET.
Make “Hail Yes!” your go-to Wolverines podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify
What channel is Michigan vs Wisconsin on today?
Channel: Fox.
Kickoff: 12:10 p.m. ET.
Streaming: Fubo (free trial), Varsity Network App (audio only).
Radio: WCSX-FM (94.7 in Detroit).
Watch Michigan-Wisconsin on Fubo
Is Sherrone Moore suspended for Michigan-Wisconsin Week 6 game?
No. Sherrone Moore will be back on the sidelines at Michigan Stadium after missing two games – one at home and one on the road – vs. Central Michigan and Nebraska. The Wolverines performed exceptionally in both games, crushing CMU 63-3 and then pulling out a gutsy win at Nebraska where they rushed for more than 280 yards.
Michigan betting odds vs Wisconsin
The Wolverines are big favorites in this one against a struggling Wisconsin team still looking to figure it out in 2025.
Spread: Michigan by 17½ points.
Over/under: 43½ points.
Moneyline: Michigan (-900), Wisconsin (+575).
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday afternoon.
Michigan prediction vs Wisconsin
Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press: Normally, Michigan and Wisconsin is a primetime Big Ten matchup, featuring two heavy weight running teams and elite defenses that trade blows back and forth until one finally lands the knockout. This will not be one of those games. Wisconsin has not done anything particularly well this season while U-M is a team that’s designed to make teams pay if they can’t match them across the line. Michigan will be the first team to have its way on the ground with the Badgers which will set the tone and open up a passing game that’s been good, but not quite what the team hoped. Meanwhile the defense − led by Jaishawn Barham’s move to the edge − should have a field day. The pick: Michigan 31, Wisconsin 10.
Michigan football schedule 2025
Week 1: W, 34-17 vs New Mexico.
Week 2: L, 24-13 at Oklahoma
Week 3: W, 63-3 vs Central Michigan
Week 4: W, 30-27 at Nebraska
Week 5: BYE.
Week 6: vs Wisconsin, Saturday Oct. 4, 12 p.m. TV: Fox
Week 7: at USC, Saturday Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. TV: NBC
Week 8: vs Washington, Saturday Oct. 18, time TBD.
Week 9: at Michigan State, Saturday Oct. 25, time TBD.
Week 10: vs Purdue, Sautrday Nov. 1, time TBD.
Week 11: BYE.
Week 12: at Northwestern, Saturday Nov. 15, time TBD.
Week 13: at Maryland, Saturday Nov. 22, time TBD.
Week 14: vs Ohio State, Saturday Nov. 29, noon ET (Fox).
Contact Matthew Auchincloss at mauchincloss@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football vs Wisconsin score, highlights from Big Ten battle in Week 6
Reporting by Matthew Auchincloss, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
