What to watch for: Washington

A little less than a year ago, No. 1 Michigan faced No. 2 Washington in Houston, Texas, with a national championship on the line. In a one-sided matchup, the Wolverines ran away – literally and figuratively – and took the title thanks to a dynamic offense and a stifling defense that stymied the Huskies.

This Saturday, No. 10 Michigan and unranked Washington will face off for the first time since that title game. And for both teams, last year was last year and this year is completely different. Both teams lost their head coaches, star quarterbacks, leading receivers and, quite frankly, the majority of their players. So while last year’s competition was a test of who was the best in the country, Saturday’s clash could be seen as a measure of who managed to convert their equipment the quickest.

Both teams go into the duel with victorious but uncertain records. Despite the disparity in the rankings and the fact that the Huskies are coming off a loss to Rutgers, the Wolverines enter the contest as narrow underdogs.

Admittedly, Michigan hasn’t looked dominant in its first five home games up to this point of the year. Even in their four wins, the Wolverines kept things close and struggled to maintain the offensive output in the second half. Washington also seemed like a decent but imperfect team.

While last year was a contest where everyone knew what was at stake for both Michigan and the Huskies, it’s harder to say the same about this year’s matchup. But even with less attention and less immediate impact, Saturday still has plenty of storylines, intrigue and excitement to offer – if you know what to look for.

How does Michigan adapt to a loud, unfamiliar environment?

There are numerous statistics that say this year’s Wolverines are at the top of the country in rushing categories. And there are many statistics in which they rank at the bottom – in the fast lane. But one of Michigan’s more unique and interesting statistics this year is that it is one of only two teams that have played five games and have not yet played on the road. That changes this Saturday.

And if you ask the Wolverines what their mood is as they hit the road, you’ll get a pretty consistent answer: Finally.

“We’re actually pretty excited,” Michigan offensive lineman Gio El-Hadi said Monday. “We know it’s going to be loud, we know it’s going to be wild – it’s a rematch of the National Championship. We are ready. Make your field our home field. That’s what it’s all about.”

In recent years, the Wolverines have shifted gears in their first road game of their season. In 2021 at Wisconsin, 2022 at Iowa and last year at Nebraska, Michigan dominated on the road, and did so in style. But Husky Stadium is notoriously loud, and the Wolverines are still untested.

Watch how Michigan handles the pressure and energy of a road environment in this highly touted rematch. Can the Wolverines turn the Huskies’ noise into their own? Or are they overwhelmed by the pressure?

Can Alex Orji turn the tide?

In his first two starts, Michigan junior quarterback Alex Orji had the distinction of going 2-0. But beyond that, his numbers aren’t impressive.

The Wolverines ranked last in nearly every passing and efficiency category and have relied on their robust rushing offense to stay afloat. But offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell knows his offense needs another element to continue to be successful.

“The explosiveness that we mentioned earlier in the passing game needs to come through so we can get quicker drives,” Campbell said Wednesday. “Do we have to score in a minute or two like these air assault teams? No, that’s not what we’re asking. However, it’s easier with seven or eight plays if you’re making explosive plays in the throwing game. You just can’t rely on the backbone of the running game to make these explosives. … It’s not a reality that’s sustainable over the course of a season.”

Knowing that more is needed, the question becomes: Can Orji and his receiving corps deliver?

Last week, Orji took a step forward – with 86 passing yards compared to 32 the week before – and found more rhythm with mid-range passes. But with a Washington offense that has had tremendous defensive success in busting screens and close-range passes, Michigan needs that expanded passing repertoire sooner rather than later – ideally by Saturday’s 4:30 p.m

Against the Huskies, watch to see if Campbell and Michigan coach Sherrone Moore open up the passing game, and keep an eye on whether or not they need to revert to a stricter running game if Orji and his receivers can’t deliver.

Can Michigan’s defense contain the Huskies?

If Michigan’s offense can best be characterized by Moore’s oft-repeated phrase, “Smash!” – Washington’s offense should be understood as the opposite of that.

The Huskies have played a nice, efficient passing offense through five games. Mississippi State transfer quarterback Will Rogers has led the Huskies with 1,354 yards, 10 touchdowns and an impressive zero interceptions.

But even though Rogers captained an efficient passing game, Washington’s fast-paced offense shouldn’t be forgotten. Huskies running back Jonah Coleman’s stats are similar to Michigan star running back Kalel Mullings. Behind Coleman and Rogers, Washington runs a fast-paced offense that rarely turns the ball over.

On Saturday, Michigan’s defense will have to stop that. So far, the Wolverines have been brave and have managed to force crucial turnovers – including a pick, a fumble and a punt block just last week. But against the Huskies, this defense will really be tested.

How they respond and whether they can help put up points for a hot and cold offense will be crucial.

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When the calendar turns to October and temperatures finally drop to 50°C, it can only mean one thing. It’s time for some classic Big Ten football for Michigan – in Seattle, of course.

So when you sit in front of your TV, perhaps for the first time this season, rest assured that you now know what to look out for.

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