The 2021 Washington football team is in desperate need of a win following their embarrassing loss to the Montana Grizzlies in Week one.
This week, Washington is set to face an even tougher opponent; Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines. The Huskies are coming off of a bad loss to an FCS team while Michigan is coming off of a stomping 33-point win over Western Michigan.
Things weren’t clicking for the Huskies in Week one but that’s still not a reason to underestimate them in Week two. Maybe they thought they could get away with an easy win over Montana but they are now more desperate than ever for a win. One loss could simply erase Washington’s chances at a bowl game or a championship, and they have already been dropped from the AP’s Top 25 teams.
Wolverine’s offense vs. Huskies defense
This game is going to come down to Michigan’s offense versus Washington’s defense.
Michigan put up 47 points last game against a less-talented opponent. This week they face a tough defense manned by defensive backs Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon. Against Montana, Washington allowed only 13 total points on about 4.2 average yards per play. It was a good effort on their part but it was the offensive side of the ball who couldn’t get things moving.
Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Blake Corum are two players the Huskies defense has to focus on.
Blake Corum is becoming a breakout star for the Wolverines. He had 111 rushing yards and one touchdown on 14 attempts. He also had two receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown. The run game is going to be a threat for Washington’s defensive line and they have to have a plan to stop Corum if they want to get the win.
Against Western Michigan, McNamara attempted only 11 passes, completing nine of them, for 136 yards (12.4 average), and two touchdowns.
Right now the pressure is on Michigan’s wide receivers after Ronnie Bell suffered a season-ending knee injury. This takes the pressure off of the Huskies secondary a bit but the front seven has to be ready for Michigan’sliking to pre-snap motion.