This Saturday night, the Michigan Wolverines travel to Seattle for a primetime showdown against the Washington Huskies in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s National Championship game. Michigan took home the title last season, but both teams are under new leadership with new head coaches and retooled rosters. Still, the stakes are high as Washington looks for vengeance, eager to erase the memories of their championship loss.
Washington’s Strong Defense
One of the first things that jumps out when evaluating this Washington team is their defense. The Huskies have been stellar on that side of the ball, ranking 13th nationally by allowing just 14.8 points per game and 8th in total defense, giving up only 249 yards per contest. Their strength is in defending the pass, making Michigan’s recent passing struggles a potential point of concern. Quarterback Alex Orji will be making just his third career start for the Wolverines, and Michigan will likely look to lean on its ground game to compensate. Running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards will likely be the focal point for Michigan’s offensive attack, as Washington’s rushing defense—while solid—ranks 42nd nationally, giving up 3.6 yards per carry and 34th in opponents’ rushing yards per game.
Michigan’s Opportunity on the Ground
For Michigan to be successful, they’ll need to exploit Washington’s relative vulnerability in the run game. A team like Michigan, with an improving offensive line and talented backs, should be able to impose their will on the ground, controlling the tempo and keeping Washington’s explosive offense off the field. Expect a heavy dose of Mullings and Edwards early and often, as they test Washington’s front seven.
Washington’s Potent Passing Offense
On the flip side, Washington’s offense is one of the best in the country when it comes to the passing game, led by quarterback Will Rogers. Rogers is off to a phenomenal start this season, completing 74.8% of his passes for 1,354 yards with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. Containing Rogers and his dynamic receiving corps will be critical for Michigan’s defense. Edge rusher Josiah Stewart and star cornerback Will Johnson appear to be trending towards returning from injury, who Michigan will need if they hope to disrupt Washington’s rhythm in the passing game. Stewart’s ability to get pressure off the edge, coupled with Johnson’s coverage skills, will be key in slowing down this Huskies attack. Michigan’s secondary is dealing with some injuries, including safety Makari Paige, who is questionable after getting banged up last week, adding further pressure on Johnson and the rest of the Wolverines’ defensive backs.
It’s starting to feel like this Washington game is the proverbial fork in the road for this year’s Michigan team. If Michigan can get a win, they head into the bye week 5-1 and top 10 team with opportunities to improve. However, if the wheels fall off against Washington it will…
— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) October 4, 2024
Washington’s Dynamic Receiving Duo
The Huskies boast two real receiving threats that Michigan’s defense must account for. The first is deep threat Denzel Boston, who leads the team in receiving yards with 412 and has already hauled in 7 touchdown receptions this season. Boston is a dangerous vertical weapon who can stretch the field, making it crucial for Michigan’s secondary to limit his big-play ability. The second key target for Washington is a familiar face to the Michigan faithful—wide receiver Giles Jackson. Jackson, who started his college career with the Wolverines in 2019 and 2020, is now in his sixth season and is enjoying a career year. He leads Washington in receptions with 34 and will surely have extra motivation going up against his former team. His versatility and experience make him a tough matchup in the Huskies’ short and intermediate passing game.
Washington’s Underrated Running Game
While Washington’s offense is pass-first, their ground game cannot be overlooked. The Huskies rank 50th nationally in rushing yards per game but are highly efficient when they run, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, good for 22nd in the country. Running back Jonah Coleman leads the way with 521 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. Michigan’s defensive front, anchored by Mason Graham and linebacker Jaishawn Barham, will need to stay disciplined to keep Coleman from breaking loose for big plays, especially as Washington will likely use their strong passing game to spread Michigan’s defense out.
Penalties and Turnovers
There’s one area where Michigan may have a clear advantage: penalties. Washington ranks near the bottom of the country in penalties, coming in at 130th in penalties per play. This could be a major factor, especially if the Huskies get into trouble in key situations and lose valuable field position. Additionally, Washington has struggled to force turnovers, which could be pivotal if Michigan is able to protect the ball and avoid costly mistakes.
What’s at Stake for Michigan
For Michigan, this game represents a turning point. A win would put them at 5-1 heading into their bye week, with their only loss coming to the second-ranked Texas Longhorns. It would provide momentum for the back half of the season, where the Wolverines face one of the toughest schedules in the nation. However, a loss could send Michigan spiraling toward a disappointing 4- or 5-loss season. Improvement is needed on both sides of the ball, especially at quarterback, but if Michigan can control the line of scrimmage and limit mistakes, they have a path to victory.
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Final Thoughts
The oddsmakers have Washington as slight favorites, opening as two-point favorites and now sitting at one and a half. This is about as even a matchup as you’ll find, with both teams fighting for a pivotal win. Michigan will need to be sharp in all phases, especially against a talented Huskies team on the road. Either way, it should be a thrilling night of college football with major implications for both teams.
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