Photos by: Aaron J. Thornton
The Michigan Wolverines welcomed the Washington Huskies to Ann Arbor for a matchup that both programs viewed as pivotal in defining their seasons. Washington entered with a 5–1 record and a chance to prove it belonged among the Big Ten’s elite. A road victory at Michigan would likely push the Huskies into the national rankings and possibly into early playoff discussions.
For Michigan, the game carried even more weight. After a disappointing loss to USC the previous week, the Wolverines could not afford another setback if they wanted any inkling of hope to remain in the playoff picture.
Unfortunately for Michigan, the team faced adversity before kickoff, as two key starters were sidelined: defensive captain Rod Moore and standout running back Justice Haynes, the team’s top offensive performer to this point in the season.
Despite the personnel losses, Michigan and Washington matched each other’s efforts throughout the first half of play. The Wolverines struck first late in the opening quarter when freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood connected with fellow freshman Andrew Marsh on a crossing route near the 22 yard line. Marsh turned upfield and used his speed to get into the end zone to give Michigan a 7–0 lead.
Washington responded just before halftime, putting together a 13 play, 70 yard drive capped by a one yard touchdown run from Jonah Coleman to tie the game at 7–7 heading into the break.
After halftime, Michigan’s defense set the tone, forcing a Washington three and out on the opening drive of the third quarter and putting the ball back into the hands of the offense. On the Wolverines’ ensuing possession, they marched deep into Husky territory, reaching the two yard line. However, the drive stalled when they couldn’t convert on fourth-and-two, keeping the score deadlocked.
That stalemate broke late in the third quarter. With 1:30 left in the period, Washington started a drive from its own 18 yard line but the Huskies would only hold onto the ball for one play as Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan quickly flipped momentum by intercepting a pass intended for Washington’s Adam Mohammed. On the very next play, running back Jordan Marshall powered through for a 14 yard touchdown run, giving the Wolverines a 14–7 lead.
Michigan’s defense wasn’t done. On Washington’s next series, Jimmy Rolder intercepted a Demond Williams Jr. pass at the Michigan 36 yard line, halting another Husky drive before it could gain traction.
The Wolverines capitalized again. Early in the fourth quarter, Underwood engineered a 9 play, 62 yard drive that ended with a ten yard touchdown strike to tight end Zach Marshall, extending the lead to 21–7 and giving the home crowd renewed confidence.
However with ten minutes still remaining, the game was not out of reach and Washington still had a chance, but Michigan’s defense prevailed once more. The Wolverines forced a fourth and three deep in Washington territory. The Huskies had to go for it on fourth down and it resulted in a sack that turned into a fumble recovered by Michigan at the Husky 17 yard line. Barring a turnover of their own, Michigan was in position again to add more points to their lead as they were already well within field goal range of Kicker Dominic Zvada.
Six plays later, Zvada indeed drilled a 26 yard field goal, pushing the lead to 24–7, and making it a three score game with just over four minutes to play.
Any miraculous hopes of a Washington comeback vanished moments later when Michigan’s Jacob Oden intercepted Williams Jr. on the Huskies’ first play of their next drive, giving Michigan its fourth takeaway of the half.
With that, the Wolverines sealed their fifth victory of the season, bouncing back in convincing fashion from their loss to USC and reasserting themselves as a contender in the playoff race if they are able to win out.
Michigan’s defense delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, anchored by Jimmy Rolder, who led the team with eight tackles and an interception. The Wolverines’ defense smothered Washington’s offense, holding the Huskies to just 249 total yards (including only 40 rushing yards), much less than the 579 yards Washington racked up the previous week against Rutgers.
On offense, freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood showed poise and efficiency, completing 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 25 yards on the ground. Tight end Zach Marshall led all receivers with 72 yards, providing a reliable target throughout the game. In the backfield, Jordan Marshall stepped up in the absence of Justice Haynes, carrying the load with 25 rushing attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown, powering Michigan’s balanced offensive attack.
Up next for Michigan (5-2) is an away game against in-state rival Michigan State (3-4) in E. Lansing. Washington (5-2) will host Illinois (5-2) back in Seattle.
Final Score: Michigan 24 – Washington 7
