UPDATE: In a heart-stopping finish, the Northwestern Wildcats narrowly lost to the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines by a score of 24-22 at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025. Northwestern’s valiant effort came down to the final moments but fell just short against a talented Michigan team.
The Wildcats surged ahead with a 22-21 lead in the fourth quarter, driven by a determined performance from their defense. However, Michigan’s offense, led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, swiftly marched downfield to set up a winning field goal by kicker Dominic Zvada.
Northwestern’s defense displayed remarkable resilience throughout the game, forcing five turnovers, including a crucial interception by Braden Turner that set up a touchdown. The Wildcats were able to limit Michigan’s formidable running game, forcing the Wolverines to rely heavily on the air attack.
“We made the plays needed to stay in the game, but we just couldn’t close it out,” said Northwestern head coach.
Despite their efforts, the Wildcats found themselves in a scoreless slump after driving into the red zone three times, settling for three field goals before finally reaching the end zone with a quarterback sneak. This late touchdown momentarily put them in the lead, creating a buzz among the dedicated Northwestern fans.
As the game unfolded, Michigan’s true freshman Bryce Underwood showcased his potential, completing 10 of 11 passes to start the game and finishing with 280 passing yards despite being intercepted twice. His counterpart, Northwestern’s defense, managed to stifle the Wolverines’ usual offensive rhythm, but Michigan ultimately capitalized when it mattered most.
The game served as a pivotal moment for Northwestern, who almost secured a defining upset victory that could have shifted their season’s momentum. While the Wildcats will reflect on what might have been, the Wolverines continue to solidify their position in the rankings, now boasting a 4-0 record.
As the dust settles from this thrilling matchup, all eyes will be on Northwestern as they regroup for their next challenge. Fans are left wondering how close this upset truly was and what it means for both teams moving forward. Expect further analysis and breakdown of the game to surface in the coming days.
For the latest updates on the college football season, stay tuned and share your thoughts on this thrilling encounter!
