For the first time in a span of four years, the Michigan football team will not be participating in the College Football Playoff. This disappointment was sealed in October when the team's recent 1-4 slump began. However, that doesn't mean the Wolverines have given up on their postseason aspirations. Currently standing at 5-5 with a 3-4 record in the Big Ten, Michigan is just one victory away from securing a bowl berth. This additional month of practices is seen as a crucial step in getting the program back on track by head coach Sherrone Moore.

Postseason Implications and Trophy Games

Both the remaining games in the 2024 regular season hold significant meaning for the team. As coach Moore told team color commentator Jon Jansen on the 'Inside The Trenches' podcast, "Northwestern is a trophy game. We're 2-0 in trophy games and a win would make us bowl eligible, which is a huge milestone." The last game against Ohio State, of course, needs no additional motivation. In the past three years, Michigan had clinched its postseason spot by the second week of October, often winning in lopsided fashion to give reserves valuable game experience. This year, the team has been in several tight contests, with three of their five wins coming by a single possession. This has made every inch and every step on the field crucial.

Importance of Extra Practices

Getting that one additional contest is not just about the postseason. It's also about providing extra practice opportunities for the entire team, especially the young players who are still developing. As Moore said, "It's great for the whole team to get extra practices, but especially our young guys who are trying to make sure they're ready for next year. It's huge for us." Some players like DB Jo’Ziah Edmond, TE Hogan Hansen, and LB Cole Sullivan have already burned their redshirts and played this year. But even with more talented players waiting in the wings, it's a challenge to get them on the field when they're behind established starters.

Backfield Youth Movement

While Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards have been the main backs this season with over 110 carries each, don't be surprised to see some new faces in the backfield this week. After Ben Hall's appearance in the backfield last game, coach Moore mentioned that freshman Micah Ka’apana took a big step during the bye week and will be included more in the game plan. Ka’apana from Las Vegas (Bishop Gorman) is a shifty player with great contact balance. He may be small, but he plays with power and speed. In high school, he had a game with five carries and five touchdowns, showing his dynamic ability. Another young running back, Jordan Marshall, has been waiting for his turn. He has appeared on special teams as a kick returner and had 100 yards on kickoffs against Oregon but hasn't been a ball carrier yet.

Injury Updates

Cornerback Will Johnson remains doubtful for Saturday's game against Northwestern as he is still "working through it." He has missed four consecutive games and a total of five this season, but coach Moore implied that he will return at some point. Right tackle Andrew Gentry, who is out for the season with a lower body injury, has decided to come back for a fifth season and will start working in the spring. For this week's game, the usual starters on the offensive line from left to right will be Myles Hinton, Josh Priebe, Greg Crippen, Gio El-Hadi, and Evan Link. However, there are arrangements in place in case of any emergencies. Priebe has practiced at tackle, and freshman Andrew Sprague is also an option. Dom Giudice provides depth on the interior of the line.Next up, Michigan will face the Northwestern Wildcats. The matchup is Michigan (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten) vs. Northwestern (4-6, 2-5), with a kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The line has Michigan favored by 10½. The team is focused on these final two games as they strive to achieve their postseason goals.