Error processing SSI fileMichigan: Notebook
Michigan defense expects true test
Northwestern's high-powered passing offense is triggered by quarterback Basanez.
ANN ARBOR -- Michigan boasts the Big Ten's second-best pass defense, but it will face its biggest test Saturday at Northwestern.
The 21st-ranked Wildcats, in the Associated Press top-25 poll this week for the first time since Oct. 14, 2001, have won three in row as they prepare for the 25th-ranked Wolverines.
Much of Northwestern's success can be attributed to quarterback Brett Basanez, who during the three-game winning streak has completed 72 percent of his passes for 1,155 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. He has one interception this season and is averaging 311.6 yards passing at the helm of the league's top passing offense.
"I'm excited about this game, because the ball is going to be in the air and it's going to give the DBs an opportunity to make a lot of plays," said sophomore safety Jamar Adams.
Northwestern has five receivers who have caught 15 or more passes, but Basanez's biggest target is Shaun Herbert, who has 54 catches for 573 yards and four touchdowns. The Wildcats play a lot of four-receiver sets.
"One of the things that is important ... is that if you can force the quarterback to not know the coverage until the ball is snapped, that creates some advantage for you defensively," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said Monday.
Injury update
Tailback Mike Hart, rush linebacker LaMarr Woodley and linebacker Chris Graham could play on Saturday, Carr said.
"We'll have to see how they respond in practice," Carr said. "Because if you don't practice, you're not going to play well. You can go play, but you're not going to play well."
Receiver Jason Avant left the Iowa game with a noticeable limp, but he is expected to play against Northwestern, as is safety Brandent Englemon, who is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered two weeks ago. Englemon started at free safety at Iowa.
Defensive end Rondell Biggs, out since the Michigan State game with a knee injury, should play Saturday.
Safety Willis Barringer also is coming off a knee injury suffered in the Minnesota game.
Long-time Michigan equipment manager Jon Falk underwent surgery on his broken left leg suffered when he was hit on the sideline during the Iowa game. Next Saturday will be the first Michigan football game he's missed in 32 years.
What if?
If Hart can't play against Northwestern, Carr said he isn't certain which back would start.
Jerome Jackson is coming off his best game, which included the game-winning one-yard touchdown run at Iowa.
"We'll have to see how it goes," Carr said. "I think we'll play more than one (back) for sure."
Tailback Max Martin had one carry at Iowa and fumbled, although it was not called.
Gutierrez waiting
Backup quarterback Matt Gutierrez, who had surgery on his (right) throwing shoulder a year ago, has been back since the spring and has patiently waited for playing time.
Aside from holding on kicks, Gutierrez has seen brief playing time this season. He is 8-of-11 for 98 yards.
You can reach Angelique S. Chengelis at Angelique.Chengelis@detnews.com.
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