The Wildcats likely knocked themselves out of contention for a bowl by losing for the fourth time in five games.
Kalel Mullings ran for 92 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, leading Michigan to a 50-6 win over Northwestern on Saturday to make the defending national champions eligible for a bowl.
“That’s goal No. 1 of any college football team,” quarterback Davis Warren said. “It means a lot to get another game.”
The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) needed the victory to secure a spot in the postseason because they will be heavy underdogs next week against rival and second-ranked Ohio State on the road.
“We understand what’s in front of us, but we’re going to celebrate the win,” Warren said.
The Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) likely knocked themselves out of contention for a bowl by losing for the fourth time in five games.
Michigan’s Aamir Hall made a diving interception on the opening drive and Mullings had a 2-yard run on the ensuing possession for his first of three scores. He had two touchdown runs in the third quarter.
Luke Akers made field goals on consecutive drives in the second quarter to cut Northwestern’s deficit to 10-6 and the Wolverines scored the next 40 points.
