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Michigan Wolverines overcome sluggish start for 33-7 win over Northwestern on Saturday

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, right, plays during the second half Saturday in Ann Arbor. (AP photo)

ANN ARBOR — Michigan got off to a sluggish start, perhaps peeking ahead to playing Michigan State. Then the Wolverines used a strong finish to seal a matchup of undefeated rivals.

Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins combined for 229 yards rushing and four touchdowns, carrying No. 6 Michigan to a 33-7 win over Northwestern on Saturday.

Shortly after the victory, Jim Harbaugh’s thoughts had already shifted to facing the ninth-ranked Spartans on the road.

“All focus is there,” he said.

The Wolverines (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) led the Wildcats (3-4, 1-3) by just three at halftime. They pulled away by outscoring them 23-0 in the first 16:40 of the second half.

“We played pretty solid in the first half to give ourselves a chance,” Northwestern coach Pat Fizgerald said. “And, then we reverted back to some bad habits.”

Corum finished with 119 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Haskins ran for 110 yards and two scores.

Corum jukes defenders with shifty moves while Haskins runs through them with power.

“We both bring different things to the table,” Corum said. “We feed off each other.”

Michigan had 294 yards rushing, nearly 50 yards more than its average.

“They’re the best rushing offense in the country for a reason,” Fitzgerald said.

Cade McNamara was 20 of 27 for 129 yards for the Wolverines, whose inability to throw the ball downfield might prove to be a problem against tougher teams.

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