Michigan vs. Washington Preview: Can U-M Offense Handle the Husky Defense?

No. 10 Michigan football (4-1, 2-0) is set for a rematch of last year’s national championship and its first road game against Washington (3-2, 1-1).

Since that fateful day in Houston, both teams have been unrecognizable from last season with new head coaches and heavy roster turnover.

So, is this really a national championship rematch? Outside of team names and logos, not really.

Each week, I focus on one matchup in my preview. This week, I’m looking at the Michigan offense vs. the Washington defense.

NEW: Michigan Football Offensive Coordinator Updates QB Situation

Michigan Wolverines vs. Washington Huskies Matchup Overview

Check out the advanced stats for the Michigan offense vs the Washington game below.

Michigan Offense vs. Washington Defense

Michigan Defense vs. Washington Offense

Other Key Stats for Michigan vs. Washington

Breaking Down the Key Matchup for Michigan vs Washington

First, I want to shed some light on the quarterback situation in Ann Arbor.

As soon as J.J. McCarthy announced he would go to the draft, I put all my chips into the Alex Orji side of the table.

Could you blame me? You know, like many, I thought that all of his physical attributes and the social media videos of him being a jump-out-the-gym athlete would result in him being a true dual threat.

So, the desire of some Michigan fans to go out and recruit (and pay) for a transfer quarterback … I did not have those same desires.

With the right coaching, which worked so well for Cade McNamara and McCarthy alike, why would you not throw Orji in there?

Well, first, Davis Warren’s decent showing in the spring game in April showed promise, especially in his ability to throw the deep ball. 

Fast-forward to now, and Orji has quarterbacked his way to a top-15 win and a trophy retainment.

Through three appearances, Orji is 20-for-36 with 133 yards passing, 3 total touchdowns, and 1 interception.

Previewing the Michigan Offense

After pointing out the problems of this unit, let’s identy its strengths.

Kalel Mullings and Colston Loveland have been everything this team has needed and more. Without Mullings, Michigan is likely 2-3 losing to both USC and Minnesota. Mullings has accrued 100+ rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in the last three games.

Loveland, Michigan’s best passing threat the past two seasons, has been the only receiver with a pulse for the Wolverines this campaign. The Idaho native has outgained the combined yardage of all four receivers behind him while playing only one half in Week 3 and missing the entirity of the Big Ten opener against USC.

Michigan can win this game with the same blueprint from its four wins this season, but that’s all contingent on the defense holding up against the veterans Washington has, like Will Rogers, Jonah Coleman, and Denzel Boston.

Previewing the Washington Defense

Who will Washington be throwing out on the field to face the Wolverines? Well, a lot of players who came over from Tuscon with new head coach, and former Michigan assistant under Jim Harbaugh, Jedd Fisch. One of those being Ephesians Prysock in the secondary. 

But the highest totaling tacklers for the Huskies are returners including Carson Bruener and Alphonso Tupatala, who have 55 tackles and 2.5 sacks combined. 

Two more returners for Washington will join Prysock in the secondary, those being Elijah Jackson and Thaddeus Dixon. Jackson, the cornerback that denied Texas of a touchdown on the last play of last year’s Sugar Bowl and Dixon has an interception on the young season. 

How Michigan’s Offense Can Exploit Washington’s Defense

The only thing that remains on this Washington team from last season is the Huskies’ weak ability to stop the run. As you just read that sentence, the memories of you watching Donovan Edwards’ two long runs from last year’s national championship replayed in your head.

Edwards has had a rough start to this season. He has not been the home run hitter that Michigan was relying on, with just 258 yards on 58 carries and two touchdowns in five games.

Remember last year, it took “The Don” a while to get going before finally breaking out against Penn State.

Edwards has struggled to get to the outside quickly and running through the tackles. Two very detrimental things for a running back to be successful.

The next Wolverine who can (and needs) to step up is Alex Orji.

When you look at Washington’s two losses, Washington State quarterback John Mateer ran all over the Huskies with 16 attempts for 62 yards and two scores. Mateer was the Cougs leading rusher in that Apple Cup victory.

Plus, Michigan will benefit greatly if Orji and Loveland can connect. Look for Washington to be ready for reads over the middle, which is the only way Orji can get the ball to No. 18 – especially after that second-half interception that Orji overthrew in Loveland’s way against Minnesota.

Final Thoughts on Michigan vs Washington

It will be a tough task for the Wolverines, but if the offense keeps its foot on the gas for all four quarters and finishes drives in the second half, something they haven’t done all season, Michigan should leave Seattle 5-1.

Ant Wright <[email protected]>
Wed, Aug 14, 2:36 PM
to me

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms