CHICAGO — The 78th meeting between Michigan and Northwestern was the first in Chicago in more than a century. Their “Big Noon Saturday,” matchup at Wrigley Field took place 100 years after the Wildcats won 3-2 against the Wolverines at Soldier Field in heavy rain, on November 7, 1925. This loss cost Michigan the chance to win a national title. It almost happened again Saturday. Michigan’s 14-to-15 win over Northwestern in the last 15 meetings has not been enough to decide five of their eight recent games. Michigan won 24-22 at the last second on a Dominic Zvada field goal, who was carried from the field after saving their College. Football Playoff Chances Here are some photos from the past. Ed McGregor/FOX sports) It was an absolutely beautiful day at Wrigley Field. After the sun broke through early clouds, temperatures reached mid-60s. Gallagher Way, in the shadow of Statue Row was decorated for the Cubs annual Winter Wonderland. The ice rink is located adjacent to the stadium, and Sweet Swinging Billy Williams as well as other Cubs icons are etched on bronze. Unfortunately, this unusually warm day would not be conducive to skating. Michigan has only played six road matches this year, the second time it’s done so in its history. The 111 year-old Chicago North Side ballpark must have seemed like home with the Wolverines’ fans. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport What Northwestern fans lacked in number, they more than made up in enthusiasm. Bryce Underwood was wearing custom Beats headphones while doing early passing drills. He became the fourth true freshmen to start as quarterback at Michigan’s season opener. The “Barstool Sports College” (Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports). Football The “Big Noon Kickoff Show” and the “Wrigley Field Scoreboard” were held at the corner between Waveland Avenue and Sheffield Avenue, sandwiched between the el track and the iconic Wrigley Field. Matt Leinart worked on his hitting stance in the center field warning track, while Brady Quinn was awaiting a home run for “Big Noon Kickoff.” The ivy has also hibernated, just like the Cubs. Ed McGregor/FOXSports) A half-hour before kickoff, Underwood emerged from the dugout at first base onto the field that was once occupied by legends including Red Grange, Jim Thorpe and Dick Butkus. Wrigley Field has been the site of hundreds of NFL games. Chicago Bears, not Chicago Cubs, have won championships at Wrigley. The Friendly Confines are not friendly to Northwestern. Northwestern is 0-6 in games played at Wrigley since 2010. This first match, played against archrival Illinois, felt downright confining. Big Ten officials were so constrained by the tight east-west field layout that they decided to have all offensive plays run towards the west side of the field to avoid hitting the brick wall right field. To provide more room in subsequent games, the Cubs’ dugout is now removed, along with several rows of seats along the third-base side. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) With just under two minutes remaining in the first-half, Northwestern defensive guard Anto Saka (No. The big hit by Michigan’s Andrew Marsh separated the ball from Marsh. Braydon Bruse, a Wildcats’ linebacker, recovered the fumble in midfield. This was the first of the five Wolverines’ turnovers that day. (Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) Despite his team’s mistakes, Jordan Marshall (No. To help the Wolverines gain control, Marshall ran for 142 yard and two touchdowns. The sophomore was Michigan’s main player for the fourth time in a row, taking the burden when Alabama transfer Justice Haynes had to be sidelined due to a foot injury. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) Even though this was a baseball game, Wrigley Field still honored some of its baseball traditions. The balls flew back from the bleachers onto the field. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) In the center field bleachers, a beer serpent made its appearance or at least started one. Cubs fans built a snake in 2021 that was so long it was estimated at $30,000 worth of beer sales. (Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) In another grand tradition of baseball, the crowd, which numbered 38,223, sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” led by former Northwestern quarterbacks Clayton Thorson Dan Persa, and C.J. Bacher is in the pressbox. Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX sports) Early in the 4th quarter, Northwestern’s QB Preston Stone (No. The 80 was down the sideline and gained 22 yards. The Wildcats then scored two plays later to reduce Michigan’s advantage to 21-16. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) A Underwood interception led to a second Northwestern touchdown in fourth quarter, and a Wildcats’ lead of 22-21. Robert Fitzgerald ended Michigan’s next drive by intercepting Underwood on the Northwestern 20 yard line. The Wildcats had a late advantage, and NU fans began to think that an upset might be on the way. (Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) The Cats would have qualified for the bowl with their sixth victory. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) With just two minutes left, and still trailing by one point, the Wolverines began an 11-play 50-yard drive, which included this acrobatic catch by tight end Zack Marshall. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) After two interceptions in the fourth quarter, Underwood’s legs made a crucial play on the last drive, gaining nine yards on third and five with less than a minute left. Ed McGregor/FOX Sport) After the Wolverines had advanced to Northwestern’s 18-yard line, they drained the clock down to just two seconds and sent Dominic Zvada to take a 31 yard attempt. He missed a 34-yard attempt in the first quarter. Zvada’s teammates, who knew that Zvada had saved their CFP hopes, swept up Zvada when the football went through the uprights into the Northwestern student section. Michigan would have surely been knocked out if it had suffered a 3rd loss. Underwood told FOX Sports Jenny Taft, after the game, that he couldn’t do anything but thank his teammates. He threw for over 280 yard but was intercepted two times.Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox?” Sign up or create a FOX Sports account to receive daily newsletters.
2025-11-17 23:04:39
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