ANN ARBOR – Michigan Wolverines delivered a commanding 24-7 victory over the Washington Huskies in a crucial matchup Saturday, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after last week’s defensive struggles. Just one week after being overwhelmed by USC, Michigan’s defense silenced Washington’s high-octane offense, limiting them to just 249 yards.
This urgent win improves Michigan’s season record to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the conference, reinforcing their position as a contender. The Wolverines’ offense also gained momentum, racking up 419 yards in total. Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarded the team an impressive overall grade of 83.4, significantly above the average of 60-69.
The standout performance came from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who achieved a personal best with an 83.7 PFF grade. Underwood completed 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating accuracy and poise, particularly with his play-action passes, going 9 for 11 for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Despite missing their top two tight ends, Michigan’s redshirt sophomores Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli rose to the occasion. Marshall contributed significantly with five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown, while Tonielli made his mark with three receptions for 38 yards. Additionally, Jalen Hoffman excelled in run-blocking, earning the team’s highest mark at 83.2.
The Wolverines’ linebackers were instrumental in the win, particularly against Washington’s mobile quarterback and standout running back Jonah Coleman. Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan both recorded pivotal interceptions in the second half, achieving coverage grades of 82.9 and 81.2, respectively. Rolder led the team with eight tackles, including 1.5 for loss, while Ernest Hausmann showcased his prowess in run defense with a grade of 83.9.
Michigan’s tackling also showed marked improvement, dramatically reducing their missed tackles from the previous two weeks. Only three missed tackles were recorded in this game, leading to their highest tackling grade of the season at 85.4.
As Michigan looks ahead, they must maintain this momentum to secure their standing in the conference. With critical matchups approaching, fans will be eager to see if the Wolverines can sustain their strong performance and build on this pivotal victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
