On a day in which the offensive struggled, No. 20 Michigan leaned on its defense in a 24-10 win over Wisconsin to move to 2-0 in Big Ten play.
The Wolverines surrendered a touchdown on the opening possession of the game, before settling in and getting nine consecutive stops against the Badgers. Michigan held Wisconsin to just 252 yards of offense on the afternoon, led by linebacker Jimmy Rolder (seven tackles), edge rusher Derrick Moore (five tackles, sack, 1.5 TFLs) and safety Rod Moore (INT).
On the other side of the ball, Michigan struggled to generate an offensive rhythm through the first two and a half quarters, before breaking through with a pair of late touchdown drives. Running back Justice Haynes was once again the Wolverines’ best offensive player, rushing for 117 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns. The Alabama transfer extends his streak of five consecutive games rushing for over 100 yards for the Maize and Blue, and is now up to 654 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for Michigan.
Meanwhile, after a slow first half, quarterback Bryce Underwood finished with a career-high 270 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-28 passing for the Wolverines. As Michigan searches for reliability at the wide receiver position, senior Donaven McCulley and freshman Andrew Marsh may be emerging. McCulley had 116 yards on six catches with a touchdown, while Marsh finished with 80 yards on four receptions. Semaj Morgan added 44 yards on five catches.
While Michigan finished with 445 yards of offense, Wisconsin’s defensive front gave the Wolverines problems through much of the game. Michigan continues to be plagued by drops, and the offensive line struggled in pass protection through much of the game before finding some rhythm late.
Michigan (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) now turns its attention to a West Coast road trip, as the Wolverines travel to USC (4-1, 2-1) next week.
Highlights from Michigan’s win over Wisconsin can be found below:
FINAL: Michigan 24, Wisconsin 10
Derrick Moore sacks Hunter Simmons, Badgers settle for FG: Michigan 24, Wisconsin 10
Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore ended Wisconsin’s drive with a sack of quarterback Hunter Simmons for a 12-yard loss. The Badgers settle for a field goal to cut their deficit to 24-10 with less than three minutes to play in Ann Arbor.
Justice Haynes scores on 1-yard TD run: Michigan 24, Wisconsin 7
Michigan has broken things open in the second half against Wisconsin, as running back Justice Haynes scores on a 1-yard touchdown run to increase the Wolverines’ lead to 24-7 with just under 10 minutes left. The touchdown capped a 6-play, 61-yard drive for the Maize and Blue. Haynes has 117 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns on the day.
UM’s Rod Moore intercepts UW’s Hunter Simmons: Michigan 17, Wisconsin 7
Michigan safety Rod Moore has his first interception for the Wolverines since suffering a torn ACL injury well over a year ago. The senior picked off Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons late in the third quarter to give the ball back to the Maize and Blue. It’s worth noting, Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill got away with a fairly clear pass interference on the play.
Donovan McCulley wakes up the Wolverines with 29-yard TD: Michigan 17, Wisconsin 7
It’s been a sleepy afternoon in Ann Arbor, but Donovan McCulley just woke up The Big House. After an outstanding snag on a 33-yard gain up the left sideline, the transfer from Indiana caught another ball, broke a tackle and shrugged off a big hit for a 29-yard touchdown catch and run.
Dominic Zvada misses 27-yard FG: Michigan 10, Wisconsin 7
It’s a struggle in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines have not been able to put much distance between themselves and the Badgers through nearly two and a half quarters of football. Michigan put together an 11-play, 66-yard drive out of halftime, but stalled inside the red zone. Dominic Zvada missed a 27-yard, chip shot field goal to add to the struggle.
After missing just once all of last season, Zvada has three missed field goals already in 2025. On a positive note, wide receiver Andrew Marsh may be emerging as a reliable option for Bryce Underwood. Marsh has four catches for 80 yards today, including a nice connection between the two freshmen below:
Halftime: Michigan 10, Wisconsin 7
Dominic Zvada connects on 40-yard FG: Michigan 10, Wisconsin 7
Michigan’s offense is scuffling a bit here in the first half against Wisconsin, but was able to muster an 8-play, 44-yard scoring drive that ended with a 40-yard field goal from Dominic Zvada to give the Wolverines the lead.
Bryce Underwood finds Andrew Marsh for big gain: Michigan 7, Wisconsin 7
End 1Q: Michigan 7, Wisconsin 7
Badgers pin Wolverines deep with perfect punt: Michigan 7, Wisconsin 7
Wolverines strike back with Justice Haynes’ 1-yard score: Michigan 7, Wisconsin 7
It’s back-to-back touchdown drives to get things started here in Ann Arbor, as Michigan responded with Wisconsin’s opening drive score with a five-play, 75-yard series capped by a one-yard touchdown run from tailback Justice Haynes. The transfer from Alabama was responsible for 54 yards by himself, including a 43-yard explosive run to set up the score.
Badgers’ Dillon Jones scores on 5-yard TD run: Wisconsin 7, Michigan 0
Wisconsin matched right down the field on the first possession of the game, as one of the worst offenses in the country made it look easy against the Wolverines to start the game. The Badgers went 75 yards on 12 plays, capping the drive with a five-yard touchdown run from running back Dillon Jones.
Injury Report
Michigan’s bye week came at a good time, as the Wolverines’ injury list had steadily grown through the first four weeks of the season. Following the week off, Michigan appears much healthier heading into today’s game. Starting left guard Giovanni El-Hadi is listed as “Questionable”, as is former starting left guard Brady Norton and tight end Hogan Hansen. The rest of the Wolverines’ injury report is composed of players further down the depth chart.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin will be without starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who has struggled with injury since early in the Badgers’ season-opener against Miami (OH). Wisconsin will also be without starting center Jake Renfro.
What channel is Michigan vs. Wisconsin on today?
Michigan vs. Wisconsin will broadcast nationally on Fox in Week 6 of the 2025 college football season. Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will call the game from the booth at Michigan Stadium, with Jenny Taft reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Michigan vs. Wisconsin time today
The Michigan vs Wisconsin game starts at 12:10 p.m. EDT from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Stream Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Michigan vs Wisconsin predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, October 4
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan leans on defense, Justice Haynes in win over Wisconsin
Reporting by Matthew Lounsberry, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
