Looking back at what happened in Michigan's 35-10 win at Maryland, and a look ahead to Saturday’s Big Ten road game at Wisconsin:

What we learned at Maryland:

Michigan has some confidence: Whether or not this is an improved team remains to be seen. But it does seem to be a confident group. Michigan did not look confident after getting blasted a month ago at Penn State. But convincing wins over Rutgers, Minnesota and Maryland have given Michigan a boost. Saturday wasn't perfect, but Michigan was never in any danger on Saturday. The Wolverines will need more than confidence to beat Wisconsin. But it's a start.

More:Here comes Wisconsin: Michigan football ready for undefeated Badgers?

Michigan's banged up: The Wolverines had a few significant injuries over the first eight weeks of the season, but not many. Over the past two weeks, though, that's changed. Michigan played the second half Saturday without leading rusher Karan Higdon (foot/ankle) or top cornerback Lavert Hill (concussion). The Wolverines did not have an immediate answer on whether either would be available this week. Defensive end Rashan Gary and starting corner David Long also left Saturday's game late with what appeared to be minor setbacks. Michigan also played without fifth-year senior running back Ty Isaac again this week. Sophomore guard Michael Onwenu was suited up, but he did not play.

The offense was balanced, sort of: It didn't feel like it live, but Michigan's offense was balanced Saturday. The Wolverines finished with 160 rushing yards and 145 passing yards against Maryland. The second half was sluggish at best, with just 93 total yards. But when things were clicking early, Brandon Peters was complimenting Michigan's run game with enough throws to keep Maryland back on its heels. The less that became a threat, though, the more pressure Maryland was able to bring. If Peters is the starter Saturday in Madison, it'll be the most raucous atmosphere he's ever played in. He'll have to be sharp — and Michigan's receivers are going to have to start doing something.

Up next: Wisconsin

Matchup: No. 18 Michigan (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten) at No. 4 Wisconsin (10-0, 7-0).

When: Noon, Saturday.

Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wis.

TV/radio: Fox (Channel 2 in Detroit); WWJ-AM (950), WTKA-AM (1050).

Line: TBD

Know the foe: The Badgers appear to be the Big Ten's best shot at making the College Football Playoff right now, even if they did enter last week outside the top four teams. Wisconsin's 10-0, but the only victories resembling quality wins came at home against Northwestern (33-24 in September) and against Iowa (38-14) last week. Wisconsin leads the Big Ten in rush defense (81.5 yards allowed per game) and rushes for 245 yards per game. This is a classic, physical Badger football team. Wisconsin doesn't blow people away with style points, but the Badgers are tough to beat — especially at Camp Randall Stadium.

More:Plenty of concerns after Michigan football's win over Maryland, 35-10

Three things to watch

Michigan's pass protection: Wisconsin has a real pass rush; it's the best Michigan has seen this season. The Badgers have averaged more than three sacks per game and had four Saturday against Iowa. Wisconsin can make things extremely difficult on one-dimensional offenses. Michigan, meanwhile, got through Saturday's Maryland game without a sack allowed — but the quarterback pressure was there. The Wolverines have to find a way to keep Brandon Peters standing in this one.

Michigan's rush D: Michigan's rush defense has beaten up on teams that can't run the football. But the last time this group saw an offense with the ability to move the ball on the ground consistently, it was shredded at Penn State. Michigan's day at Maryland wasn't great either, as the Terps had 180 yards on 32 attempts. Wisconsin, meanwhile, pounds the football and has done so against just about everyone. The Badgers have topped the 200-yard mark on the ground eight times this season. Unlike Penn State's big-hit offense, the Badgers go with the slow drip. Freshman Jonathan Taylor has been a workhorse this season, as he's up to 1,525 yards (a Big Ten-best) and 12 touchdowns. He averages nearly 22 carries per game.

Can anyone make a play?: Michigan's wide receivers combined to make one catch for two yards Saturday. The entire group. One catch. Tight ends Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon have been active participants in the pass game. Michigan has done a better job of getting its running backs involved. But at this point, the production from the wideouts has flat-lined. Tarik Black got injured late in the third game of the year. He's still Michigan's fifth-leading pass catcher. Donovan Peoples-Jones has just two receptions in the past three weeks. Grant Perry has one. Michigan's ground game has been better, but the pass attack has been basically silent all season. It's time to see if that can change.

Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!