Ann Arbor, Mich. ? For Michigan, it was another day to rely on the tough running of Mike Hart and its swarming defense for a rain-soaked victory.

For Northwestern, it was progress.

The second-ranked Wolverines’ 17-3 win Saturday was tougher than expected, but kept them on track for a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup at Ohio State on Nov. 18. Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) faces Ball State next week, then Indiana.

The Wildcats (2-7, 0-5), who were 30-point underdogs for the homecoming game at the Big House, hung tough a week after collapsing in a record-setting way by blowing a 35-point lead against Michigan State.

Northwestern trailed only 10-3 midway through the third quarter when the game turned on a miscue by Wildcats quarterback C.J. Bacher, who was making his second career start.

Michigan cornerback Leon Hall, who had a fumble recovery earlier, intercepted Bacher’s pass and set up the Wolverines at the Northwestern 36. Hart gained 23 yards off left tackle on fourth-and-two and, two plays later, he ran untouched into the end zone from the three to make it 17-3 with 4:05 left in the third quarter.

Northwestern again had a chance to cut into Michigan’s lead when Wildcats defensive tackle John Gill recovered Brandon Minor’s fumble at the Michigan 24 just seconds into the fourth quarter. But Bacher was picked off by Willis Barringer in the end zone.

The Wildcats didn’t threaten again and lost their sixth straight.

“I thought we ran the ball effectively, and our defense was just outstanding again,” Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. “We had a couple of nice stands in the first half and got some turnovers.”

Hart had 95 yards on 20 carries, and Michigan gained 202 yards on the ground.

Hart sat out stretches of the second half after falling on a yard marker after catching a screen pass and being forced out of bounds.

“I was fine. My back tightened up a little, but once I got back out and warmed up I was fine,” he said. “There wasn’t much need for me to go back out there. The defense was dominating.”

Jerome Jackson ran for 59 yards on nine carries, and Kevin Grady added 23 yards while spelling Hart.

The Wolverines came away with three interceptions and two fumbles.