• As the Detroit Free Press noted, eight quarterbacks have left games early vs. Michigan this season. It's either been injury (Maryland's Perry Hills, Colorado's Sefo Liufau, etc.) or ineffectiveness (Rutgers' Chris Laviano, Michigan State's Tyler O'Connor, etc.). "It's a violent game. Nobody makes it out alive," defensive end Chase Winovich said. "Nobody's safe in this game, especially if you're playing quarterback against us. We're coming."

• Iowa's C.J. Beathard is next for Michigan. The Hawkeyes have been a disappointment, but don't blame Beathard. His pass protection stinks. Iowa's one receiver who could stretch the field (Tevaun Smith) graduated, and possession receiver Matt VandeBerg was lost to a season-ending foot injury. Beathard still has a 59.9 completion percentage, 13 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 133.0 passer rating.

• Northwestern plays at Purdue before coming to TCF Bank Stadium next week. That still looks like it will be a tough test for the Gophers. The Wildcats beat Michigan State, Iowa and Indiana before losing 24-20 at Ohio State and 21-7 at home to Wisconsin. Northwestern has had some of the Big Ten's top performers in conference play with QB Clayton Thorson, RB Justin Jackson and WR Austin Carr.