By Steve SilverThe Daily Northwestern

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Northwestern ran backwards Saturday – literally.

Facing the nation’s best run defense, the Wildcats failed to post positive yardage as NU finished with a total of -13 rushing yards on 17 attempts.

“Their guys were everywhere,” said sophomore running back Tyrell Sutton, who rushed for a career-low six yards on seven attempts. “Definitely, their front four did a good job of plugging holes, and the linebackers did a great job of flowing. Anything you try to throw at them, they’re right there flowing to the ball.”

Sutton ran for 172 yards just a week earlier in the Cats’ 41-38 loss to Michigan State.

After completely shutting down NU’s ground game, Michigan now has held opponents to an average of 28.4 rushing yards per game. Opposing running backs average just 1.2 yards per carry and no single rusher has gained more than 100 yards on the top-ranked Wolverine defense this season.

Michigan’s run stopping effort was led by senior defensive end LaMarr Woodley, who wreaked havoc on junior left tackle Dylan Thiry.

Woodley amassed four tackles, three of which were for losses. He also forced one fumble and sacked sophomore quarterback C.J. Bach