Michigan Football Faces Northwestern with Key Players Absent

Michigan‘s football team is poised to conclude its 2024 home schedule with aspirations of securing bowl eligibility. Hosting a struggling Northwestern team, the Wolverines are set as double-digit favorites despite their recent underwhelming performances. Michigan, holding a 5-5 record overall and 3-4 in the Big Ten, has experienced a challenging season. Both teams come into the matchup with a pressing need for a win, with Michigan having lost four out of its last five games and Northwestern dropping five of its last seven.

The Wolverines will face the Wildcats without several key players. Junior All-American cornerback Will Johnson will miss his fourth consecutive game due to injury. Johnson, a standout defensive back, has been sidelined since sustaining an injury in the first quarter of a loss against Illinois. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore commented earlier this week on Johnson’s condition, noting that he is ‘working through it’ but gave no concrete indication regarding the player’s potential return.

Joining Johnson on the sidelines is sophomore wide receiver Semaj Morgan. Morgan, who is second on the team in catches and third in receiving yards, will not play against Northwestern. He is one of seven players ruled inactive for the game. Amorion Walker, another wide receiver, is also out, while reserve tackle Jeff Persi is listed as questionable. The absence of these players places additional pressure on the Wolverines as they seek to optimize their offensive strategy.

Michigan enters the game following a bye week that allowed for some recovery, although the team remains below full strength. This matchup in Ann Arbor comes on senior day, a poignant occasion for the team and fans alike, as several juniors projected for the 2025 NFL Draft, including Johnson, could be playing their last games at the ‘Big House.’

With their postseason hopes on the line, the Wolverines aim to end their home schedule on a high note before facing Ohio State in their next fixture. The game against Northwestern offers a critical opportunity for Michigan to stabilize its season and advance toward bowl eligibility. The contest is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on FS1.