Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore set the tone ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Wisconsin by acknowledging the Badgers’ biggest strength.
Calling Wisconsin’s unit “number one in the country,” Moore said his Wolverines must be sharp against a defensive front he described as “big and stout.”
With kickoff set for noon at Michigan Stadium, the game carries heavy implications for how Michigan handles its toughest test yet.
Moore spoke at length about the Badgers’ physicality, his own team’s preparation, and the growth of young quarterback Bryce Underwood.
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While Moore praised his players’ mindset and consistency, he made clear that execution will be the difference against a defense that punishes mistakes.
Moore breaks down Wisconsin challenge and Michigan’s focus
Moore credited Wisconsin’s front as the heart of Mike Tressel’s defense.
“They’re number one in the country. So they’re stout. They’re big and stout up front,” he said, noting experienced linemen, physical safeties, and corners “that all hit.” He pointed to transfer rusher No. 22 from Louisville and edge player Sebastian Cheeks, who switched from linebacker after coming from North Carolina. The Badgers’ interior, listed at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, earned his description as “stout run guys.”
Michigan’s offensive line has been steady, something Moore attributed to both technique and mentality. Confidence, he said, has fueled their success, but Wisconsin’s varied looks demand precision.
“On normal downs, it’s going to be open cover four quarters, go to cover three, play cover one on third down,” Moore explained. “So we’ve got to be sound, and we’ve got to be able to go execute our game plan the way I think we can.”
The quarterback position also drew attention. Moore said Billy Edwards Jr.’s status for Wisconsin remains unclear, but Michigan is preparing for “all possibilities.”
For Bryce Underwood, the bye week mirrored his regular preparation.
“Health is great. He’s in a great place spiritually, mentally, physically,” Moore said, stressing fundamentals like footwork, ball placement, and accuracy.
He also praised center Jake Guarnera’s toughness and stressed the need to balance reps to preserve health across the roster. Moore closed by emphasizing structural tweaks and exploiting matchups as key to breaking Wisconsin’s run defense.