NFL
By Bill Carroll
In 1757, Frederick the Great faced annihilation at Rossbach. Outnumbered two-to-one, he refused to fight on enemy terms. Instead, he deployed deception, mobility, and disciplined execution to shatter his foes in ninety minutes. On Saturday, Northwestern faces its own Rossbach moment at Wrigley Field.
The Battle of Rossbach took place on 5 November 1757 during the Third Silesian War (1756–1763, part of the Seven Years’ War) near the village of Rossbach (Roßbach), in the Electorate of Saxony. Also known as the Battle of Reichardtswerben, after a different nearby town.
In this 90-minute battle, Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, defeated an Allied army composed of French forces augmented by a contingent of the Reichsarmee (Imperial Army) of the Holy Roman Empire. The French and Imperial army included almost 42,000 men, opposing a considerably smaller Prussian force of 22,000. Despite overwhelming odds, Frederick employed rapid movement, flanking maneuvers, and oblique order to achieve complete surprise.
Michigan’s Strength: The Heavy Cavalry
Michigan ranks 9th nationally in rushing offense at 225.2 yards per game, even after losing star back Justice Haynes to foot surgery. Sophomore Jordan Marshall has emerged as the workhorse, piling up 759 yards and eight touchdowns, including a 185-yard, three-score demolition last week. Five-star freshman QB, Bryce Underwood, is a dual-threat with 272 rushing yards. That adds up to a Michigan squad that runs on 61% of snaps.
Northwestern’s Challenge: Hold the Line
The Wildcats allow 142 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. That’s a problem against Michigan’s offensive line, one of the most physical units in the country. If Northwestern wilts against the run, the game ends before it begins. There is hope. Michigan’s passing game is shaky on the road. Underwood completes 67.7% at home, but just 50.7% away, averaging 135 yards per game. If Northwestern avoids giving up chunk runs, it can force him to throw on third and four or more yards situations, and the Wolverines may lose their rhythm.
The Rossbach Blueprint
Frederick’s genius at Rossbach wasn’t brute strength; it was tempo and timing. Northwestern must do the same:
- Control Possession: NU ranks 17th nationally in time of possession (32:19). Michigan sits at 86th (29:29).
- Lean on the Offensive Line: Despite injuries, NU’s front has been a fortress. RB Caleb Komolafe has back-to-back 100-yard games. Depth returns with Joseph Himon II and Dashun Reeder.
- Aggressive Decisions: Last week’s USC game exposed conservative play-calling. At Rossbach, hesitation meant death. At Wrigley, it means defeat.
Key Matchups & NFL Prospects
Key Player Matchups
- Jordan Marshall (RB, Michigan) vs. Northwestern Front Seven
Marshall averages 5.8 YPC and has 8 TDs. NU allows 4.6 YPC—can they hold the edge? - Bryce Underwood (QB, Michigan) vs. NU Secondary
Underwood’s road struggles (50.7% completions) meet a defense allowing just 181 passing yards per game. - Caleb Komolafe (RB, Northwestern) vs. Michigan Linebackers
Komolafe has back-to-back 100-yard games. Michigan’s LB corps is thin, but gets Cole Sullivan back. - Preston Stone (QB, Northwestern) vs. Michigan Pass Rush
Stone leads the Big Ten in INTs (9). Michigan’s edge pressure could force mistakes.
Top NFL Prospects
Michigan (2026 Draft)
- Derrick Moore (EDGE)
Explosive pass rusher with 57 tackles and 9 sacks over the last two seasons. Consistent production and athletic upside make him a potential first-rounder if 2025 is dominant. - Jaishawn Barham (LB)
Elite athlete with physicality to match. Needs consistency, but scouts love his ceiling. Could rise into the Day 2 range with a strong season. - Rayshaun Benny (DT)
Finally stepping into a starting role after learning behind NFL talent. Posted 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2024; a big senior year could vault him into mid-round consideration. - Rod Moore (S)
Returning from ACL injury. Pre-injury résumé: 142 tackles, 7 PBUs, 4 INTs. If he regains form, he’s a top safety prospect. - Zeke Berry (DB)
Versatile defensive back who can play multiple positions. Scouts covet his adaptability; an expanded role in 2025 could boost draft stock significantly.
Northwestern
- Caleb Tiernan (OT) – Dominant pass protector (6’7”, 329), graded #1 among 2026 OT prospects by PFF.
- Anto Saka (EDGE) – Freak athlete with burst; mid-round projection.
- Griffin Wilde (WR) – Emerging deep threat; sleeper for late rounds.
✅ Under-the-Radar Players
Via University of Michigan Football Michigan
- Cole Sullivan (LB) – For Michigan, he is a key to fixing their run fits; he is a physical presence in the box.
- Jimmy Rolder (LB) – Downhill defender who thrives in short-yardage situations. He could be the star of the Maize and Blue in this type of game
Northwestern
- Joseph Himon II (RB) – Adds depth and versatility to the backfield.
- Dashun Reeder (RB) – Returning from injury; dynamic change-of-pace option.
A Narrow Path To Victory
- Win the ground battle, outrush the Michigan Wolverines
- Take smart chances
- Force at least two turnovers
- Punch in TDs, once past the 30 dial up scoring plays
- Hit harder on every play
The After Action Report
I truly think Michigan will have a tough time with the Wildcats in purple; however, I think it will only take three big plays to win this game, and Michigan has more big-play players. I foresee a 24-16 triumph for a bruised Michigan contingent.
