The Wolverine front seven continued to show its strength on Saturday against Washington. Two different Michigan linebackers recorded an interception, as the defense recorded three total picks on the day. The Wolverine defensive line forced a fumble on a critical fourth down, notched two sacks, and had seven tackles for loss in the game. Ultimately, 14 points off turnovers helped Michigan defeat Washington 24-7. The Huskies’ early game struggles continued inside the Big House, and they failed to establish an offensive rhythm for the remainder of the game.
Turnovers Cost Huskies at Michigan
Slow Starts Continue
For the fourth game in a row, Washington did not score a first-quarter point. It’s been since the road trip to Pullman that the Huskies have scored within the first 15 minutes of a game. After taking over on downs late in the first quarter, Demond Williams found Denzel Boston deep downfield for a 48-yard gain into the red zone. It seemed as though that play could spark the offense into finding momentum early in the game. But a stuffed run, a screen pass that lost a yard, and an incomplete pass forced a field goal attempt. Grady Gross missed the 36-yard field goal. Gross is now six of eight on the year with his two misses coming in the 30-39 yard range.
The slow start was indicative of what would become a back-and-forth rock fight between the Huskies and the Wolverines.
Points Off Of Turnovers
The back-and-forth, Big Ten-style fist-fight continued late into the third quarter. But that’s when the Wolverine defense stepped up. On back-to-back possessions, Williams threw interceptions that led to Michigan touchdowns. The mistakes by Williams resulted in 14 points off turnovers, and ultimately put the game out of reach for Washington. The first pick was intended for Boston on a slant route. But linebacker Cole Sullivan was coming across the middle of the defense in an effort to pick up the running back in coverage. His cross-field motion put him directly in the throwing path of the slant route. Sullivan caught the interception easily and set the Wolverine offense up at the 14-yard line. One play later, Jordan Marshall rushed in for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. Marshall finished with 133 yards on 25 carries (5.3 average) and a touchdown.
Williams and the offense went back onto the field and quickly completed passes of 17 and 16 yards to Dezmen Roebuck and Boston. It looked as though the sophomore quarterback was able to have some short-term memory and get the offense back on track. But on the third play of the drive, Williams threw the football behind his tight end and into the arms of linebacker Jimmy Rolder.
This time, Michigan needed nine plays to find the end zone once again. Bryce Underwood made the best throw of the day on third and 11 approaching midfield. Washington defensive lineman Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei had pressure up the middle and forced Underwood to throw off his back foot. Leaning backwards, he was able to still generate significant velocity on the football, releasing it at his own 37-yard line. The pass sailed into a tight window to Deakon Tonielli on the Husky 33-yard line for a 28-yard gain. Three plays later, Underwood found Zack Marshall for a 10-yard score to put the Wolverines up 21-7. Seven different Wolverines caught a pass as Underwood finished with 230 passing yards and a pair of scores.
The Positives – Defensive Stands
Ryan Walters’ group was put in tough situations today as a result of Washington turnovers. But it showcased strength in two key situations during the Michigan game. Underwood and the Michigan offense were in rhythm in the second quarter. After an 80-yard touchdown drive, the Wolverines kept that momentum on their ensuing possession. It started deep in their own territory. But four of the first seven plays went for gains of 10-plus yards. They included a 20-yard pass play to freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh. But the Husky defense responded. The next four plays totaled zero yards, including a five-yard penalty. Michigan was forced to attempt a field goal. Dominic Zvada then missed the 48-yard attempt, and the score remained 7-0.
After the missed field goal, Washington’s offense put together its best drive of the day. It lasted 13 plays and was aided by a 31-yard pass to Raiden Vines-Bright, setting the Huskies up in the Wolverine red zone. Three plays later, Jonah Coleman punched in his 12th rushing touchdown of the season. It was a tie game with 40 seconds remaining in the half.
The Michigan defense forced its first three-and-out of the game on Washington’s opening second-half drive. A bad punt gave Michigan the football at its own 40-yard line. Underwood then drove the offense to the Husky six-yard line, where it faced a fourth and two. Xe’ree Alexander stopped Marshall, and the Huskies took over on downs. Walters was fired up on the sideline, and the defensive stop kept the game tied at seven.
Looking Ahead
The Huskies are now 0-3 in noon Eastern kickoffs since joining the Big Ten. Next week, Washington returns home to play an Illinois team that may jump back into the top 25 coming off a bye week. Twenty-fifth-ranked Nebraska lost on Friday, and it opens up an opportunity for the Illini to enter Husky Stadium as a ranked opponent.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
