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After narrowly escaping last week with a victory, the No. 15 ranked Michigan Wolverines (4-1) return to Ann Arbor where they will host the Maryland Terrapins (3-1) on Saturday afternoon.
The game is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC. If you don’t have cable or can’t get to a TV, you can still watch a live stream of the game (or DVR it) on your computer, phone or streaming device by signing up for one of the following cable-free, live-TV streaming services:
In addition to a Netflix-like on-demand streaming library, Hulu also offers a bundle of 50-plus live TV channels, including ABC (live in select markets, but even if it isn’t included in your market, you’ll be able to watch the game on the ESPN digital platforms with your Hulu credentials).
You can sign up for “Hulu with Live TV” right here, and if ABC is live in your market, you can then watch a live stream of the game on your computer via the Hulu website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the Hulu app. If ABC isn’t live in your market, scroll down to the “ESPN Platforms” section to see where you can watch.
If you can’t watch live, “Hulu with Live TV” also comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of DVR space and the ability to fast forward through commercials).
Although ABC isn’t technically part of the Sling TV package, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of the “Sling Orange” bundle, which includes ESPN3, and you’ll then be able to watch a live stream of the game on the ESPN digital platforms (see next section).
ESPN Platforms
You can watch a live stream of the game on your computer via ESPN.com, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. Games on ABC (labeled as ESPN3) can be watched for free without cable if you have a participating internet service provider (ISP), but even if you don’t have a participating ISP, you can still sign use your Hulu or Sling TV (or other cable TV) credentials to sign in and watch the game on the ESPN digital platforms.
Preview
The Wolverines erased a 17-point deficit last week to win a crucial game by three points (20-17) on the road at Northwestern. A loss would have been disastrous, and all but eliminated Jim Harbaugh and company from National Championship contention.
Senior Karan Higdon likely had his best game of the season against the Wildcats with 115 yards on the ground and both Wolverines’ touchdowns. Higdon’s five-yard touchdown run with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter put Michigan up for good and sealed the win. Not counting the game against SMU, which Harbaugh later revealed Higdon missed because of an undisclosed injury, he has collected over 100 rushing yards in three consecutive games (156 vs Western Michigan, 136 vs Nebraska).
After a slow start, transfer Shea Patterson is coming into his own. Patterson is 76-for-111 (68.4%), with 905 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions this season, leading the Wolverines to four consecutive wins – three at Michigan Stadium – after an opening-weekend road loss to Notre Dame.
Michigan continues to be highlighted by a strong defense, which ranks 11th in the nation in efficiency. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is ready for the challenge the opposing defense provides.
“A very highly ranked defense. There’s a lot of speed on defense. They are able to put points on the board offensively. They are a physical team and are active in the secondary. A lot of team speed in their secondary.”
Not to be outdone, the Terrapins defense is underrated. Through four games, they are No. 11 in the nation in total defense – Michigan ranks sixth. Because of a letdown against Temple in the second week of the season coming off the heels of a massive upset against Texas, they are allowing 22.8 points per game, which ranks 50th – Michigan ranks 11th with 14.8 points per game.
Although his background is on the other side of the football, interim head coach Matt Canada is making a strong case to keep the job. This comes after a telling report about D.J. Durkin – on administrative leave – and strength coach Rick court this week.