Michigan emerged victorious against the Washington Huskies with a score of 24-7, securing a crucial win at the Big House. But was it all sunshine and roses? Absolutely not. While the scoreboard reflects a dominant performance, a closer look reveals areas that still need ironing out. We're talking about those frustrating drops, untimely penalties, and occasional special teams hiccups that seem to linger like a bad habit. But here's the thing: the good undeniably outweighed the bad this past Saturday. So, who truly shone, and who stumbled a bit? Let's dive into the winners and losers from Michigan's triumph over Washington.
Offensive Play Calling — Winner:
Credit where credit is due: offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey deserves a standing ovation this week. He orchestrated a symphony of plays that got almost everyone involved and clicking. The Wolverines amassed an impressive 417 total yards – a balanced attack with 230 yards through the air and 187 on the ground. The game plan strategically incorporated tight end Zack Marshall, who had a breakout game, leading the team with five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. We've been eagerly anticipating the tight ends becoming a more integral part of Michigan's offense, and this week, our wish was finally granted. It was a masterclass in play-calling that kept Washington's defense guessing.
WR Semaj Morgan — Loser:
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Remember the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? Well, we're going to bend that rule slightly and follow it up with some positivity. Semaj Morgan has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly his ability to gain yards after the catch. He's a fighter who scraps for every inch. But, and this is a big "but," his struggles with catching the ball are becoming increasingly concerning. Something seems off, and it's impacting the offense. While he managed two catches for 20 yards, he also had another critical drop this week, this time on a crucial fourth-down attempt. And this is the part most people miss... is it a technical issue, a confidence problem, or simply a case of needing more time to adjust to the speed of the game? The coaches might need to consider shaking things up to reignite his confidence or explore other options at the position.
Michigan’s “Young Guns” — Winner:
The future is bright in Ann Arbor! Michigan's freshmen and sophomores showcased their immense potential this week. Bryce Underwood, despite his youth, looked poised and confident, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 27 pass attempts. Running back Jordan Marshall proved to be a workhorse, carrying the ball 25 times for 133 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 20 receiving yards. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it too early to start thinking about Underwood as a potential starter down the road? Wide receiver Andrew Marsh continues to impress with his reliable hands, hauling in five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. The young offensive line held its own against a formidable Washington defensive front. On the defensive side, sophomore safety Jacob Oden snagged his first career interception, and linebacker Cole Sullivan followed suit with a pick of his own. These young players are not just contributing; they're making a significant impact.
4th Down Miscues — Loser:
This one's a shared burden, falling on both the defense and the offense. The Wolverines' defense surrendered a crucial fourth-down conversion, extending a Washington drive. While they ultimately limited the Huskies to just seven points, stopping that fourth-down attempt would have been a statement. On the offensive side, Michigan went 0-for-2 on fourth-down attempts. The first attempt featured a well-designed play, but Morgan's aforementioned drop nullified the opportunity. On the second attempt, Marshall couldn't muster enough push to secure the first down. Fourth-down conversions are often momentum shifters, and Michigan's inability to capitalize in these situations is an area that needs immediate improvement. Was the play calling too aggressive? Or was it simply a matter of execution?
Linebackers — Winner:
The linebacker corps had a stellar performance on Saturday, flying around the field and making plays. Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder each recorded interceptions, showcasing their ability to read quarterbacks and make game-changing plays. Ernest Hausmann led the team with seven tackles, including one tackle for loss, demonstrating his physicality and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Rolder also contributed with 1.5 tackles for loss. This group is brimming with talent, and Saturday's defensive game plan clearly highlighted their strengths. They were aggressive, disciplined, and a force to be reckoned with.
We all know football is the ultimate team sport, where victories and defeats are shared experiences. But after that Washington game, who stood out to you as a true game-changer? And which players or units do you think need to step up their game as we head into the next week's matchup? Sound off in the comments below! Do you agree with our assessment of the winners and losers? Or do you have a different perspective? Let's hear it!
