What to watch for: Washington

Just a shade under a year ago, No. 1 Michigan faced off against No. 2 Washington in Houston, Texas, with a National Championship on the line. In a lopsided matchup, the Wolverines ran away — literally and figuratively — with the title behind a dynamic rushing offense and an oppressive defense that stymied the Huskies.

This Saturday, No. 10 Michigan and unranked Washington will face off against one another for the first time since that title matchup. And for both squads, 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 contest was a test of who was the best in the nation, Saturday’s matchup could be seen as a measure of who has managed to retool the quickest.

Both teams come into the matchup with winning, but uneasy records. Despite the disparity in ranking and the fact that the Huskies are coming off of a loss to Rutgers, the Wolverines enter the contest as narrow underdogs. 

Granted, in its first five home games up to this point in the year, Michigan hasn’t looked dominant. Even in their four wins, the Wolverines have kept things close and have struggled mightily to maintain second half offensive production. Washington has also looked 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 fewer eyes and less of an immediate impact, Saturday has its own fair share of storylines, intrigue and excitement — if you know what to watch for.

How does Michigan adapt to a loud, unknown environment?

There are plenty of statistics that this year’s Wolverines rank near the top of the nation in — rushing categories. And there are plenty of statistics where they rank near the bottom — passing ones. But one of Michigan’s more unique and intriguing stats this year is that it is one of just two teams that have played five games and have yet to go on the road. That changes this Saturday.

And if you ask the Wolverines about their sentiments on hitting the road you’ll get a fairly uniform answer: finally.

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

In recent years, the Wolverines have reached another gear in their first road game of their seasons. In 2021 at Wisconsin, in 2022 at Iowa and last year at Nebraska, Michigan dominated on the road, and did it in style. But Husky Stadium is notoriously loud, and the Wolverines are still unproven. 

In a highly touted rematch, watch how Michigan handles the pressure and energy of a road environment. Can the Wolverines turn the Huskies’ noise into their own? Or will they be overwhelmed by the pressure?

Can Alex Orji turn the page?

In his first two starts, junior Michigan quarterback Alex Orji has the honorable distinction of being 2-0. But beyond that, his numbers have yet to impress.

Ranking near last in almost every passing yardage and efficiency category, the Wolverines have relied on their robust rushing offense to keep them afloat. But offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell knows that his offense will need another element to maintain success. 

“The explosiveness that we mentioned earlier in the pass game needs to show up so that we can get faster drives,” Campbell said Wednesday. “Do we need to score in one minute or two minutes like these air raid teams? No, that’s not what we’re asking. But it’s easier with seven or eight-play drives when you get explosive plays in the throw game. You just can’t rely on the backbone of the run game to create those explosives. … It’s not a reality that’s sustainable through the course of a season.”

Knowing that more is necessary, the question becomes, can Orji and his receiving corps deliver?

Last week Orji took a step forward — with 86 passing yards as opposed to 32 the week prior — and found more of a rhythm with mid-range passes. But facing a Washington offense that has had tremendous defensive success at blowing up screens and short-yardage passes, Michigan needs that expanded passing repertoire to come sooner rather than later — preferably by Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Against the Huskies, watch whether Campbell and Michigan coach Sherrone Moore open up the passing game playbook, and keep an eye on whether or not they have 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 whatever the opposite of that is. 

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

But even with Rogers captaining an efficient passing game, Washington’s rushing offense shouldn’t be forgotten. Huskies running back Jonah Coleman’s stats are similar to those of Michigan star running back Kalel Mullings. Behind Coleman and Rogers, Washington operates a quick offense that rarely turns the ball over.

Saturday, Michigan’s defense will have to stop that. So far, the Wolverines have been stout and succeeded at forcing crucial turnovers — including a pick, a fumble and a punt block just last week. But against the Huskies, that defense will truly be put to the test.

How they respond, and if they can help put points on the board for a hot-and-cold offense will be crucial.

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As the calendar turns to October and temperatures finally fall to the fifties, it can only mean one thing. It’s time for some classic Big Ten Football for Michigan — in Seattle of course.

So as you settle in front of your TV — maybe for the first time this season — rest easy assured that you now know what to watch for.

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