Game balls from Michigan football's last-second win over Northwestern

CHICAGO – The Michigan Wolverines moved to 8-2 (6-1 in the Big Ten) on the season with a walk-off 24-22 win over the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field on Saturday, with no shortage of contributors that led to a victory that felt certain, then up in the air.

Below are our picks for game balls this week, headlined by the performances of a pass catcher in a star-making performance and a clutch make from a guy who needed it most.

Freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh

There is no Michigan victory today without the efforts of freshman wideout Andrew Marsh, who is no longer just in the conversation for the top WR spot on the team. He is firmly there after a 12-catch, 189-yard performance on 15 targets from Bryce Underwood, who was 21-for-32 for 280 yards and a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions. That has the chance to be a special connection over the next 3-4 years, especially if the staff can add some talent around them. Marsh had an incredible catch along the left sideline on the game-winning drive and also appears to be the new punt returner after Semaj Morgan was benched.

Marsh has played well enough to be in the conversation for top freshman on the team, too, even with Underwood’s presence. He’s been that good, and Saturday’s game was season-affirming for him. Marsh now leads the team with 37 catches for 565 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Senior kicker Dominic Zvada

It has not been the season anyone expected from Dominic Zvada, who was a snub for the Lou Groza Award last year. This season, he has missed six field goals, including another pair of misses on Saturday at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, which were anything but that for him. The first is one he has to own, and the second was a 60-yarder before the half with the wind at his back. It had the distance, but sailed right.

But when Michigan needed him most, this time on a 31-yarder to steal a win it may not have deserved, Zvada banged it through and hit a game-winner. A major reason he returned this year was to make those types of kicks in critical situations, and whether it looks like it on the field or not, the team is in playoff mode and has been for some time.

Zvada was carried off the field and part of a walk-off celebration in a ballpark that has had many of them over the years. This time, it was in a football game.

Sophomore running back Jordan Marshall

We will not bury the discussion point here. Jordan Marshall got injured late in the game, where it appeared he landed on his right shoulder after a key run in the 4th quarter. He went into the injury tent and did not return, but appears to have avoided a serious injury, according to head coach Sherrone Moore.

But the Wolverines needed every bit of heroics he had in him on Saturday, finishing the game with 19 rushes for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of his runs, a 65-yarder, set up a touchdown that gave U-M a two-score lead early in the fourth quarter. They need him badly down the stretch with Justice Haynes likely done for the season.

Honorable mentions

Freshman QB Bryce Underwood: 21-of-32, 280 yards, 2 INT, 9 carries, 30 yards, TD
Junior RB Bryson Kuzdzal: 15 carries, 53 yards
Senior WR Donaven McCulley: 4 catches, 59 yards, 9 targets