Halftime analysis: Washington and Michigan deadlocked at 7 in Ann Arbor

Through two quarters in the Big House, Michigan and Washington have traded missed opportunities and momentum swings, heading into halftime tied 7-7 in what’s been a grind more than a shootout.

Both teams struggled early to find rhythm, starting with Michigan’s opening three-and-out, as freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood missed on several throws. Washington’s first drive nearly ended just as quickly, but Demond Williams Jr. extended the possession with his legs, avoiding a three-and-out. Still, the Huskies couldn’t sustain the drive, and their punt resulted in a touchback.

Michigan then pieced together a promising series, but a crucial pass breakup by linebacker Jacob Manu on second down halted the Wolverines’ momentum. Two plays later, a Wolverines wide receiver dropped a wide-open pass on 4th-and-1 that turned the ball over to the Huskies on downs.

Williams immediately responded with a 48-yard strike to Denzel Boston, flipping the field and giving the Huskies life. But the offense once again stalled, and kicker Grady Gross missed a field goal that would've put UW on the scoreboard first.

Michigan capitalized on its next opportunity, marching 80 yards on seven plays to score the game’s first touchdown. The Huskies’ defense showed flashes but lacked consistency, allowing chunk plays and struggling to get off the field.

In the second quarter, false start penalties repeatedly killed Washington drives (three in total on the half), as the crowd noise in Ann Arbor clearly affected communication at the line. The Huskies failed to establish momentum despite several promising drives.

Meanwhile, Underwood began settling into a rhythm for Michigan, throwing for 151 yards on 15-of-20 efficiency in the half and looking as composed as he has all season. Still, the Wolverines missed a chance to extend their lead when kicker Dominic Zvada, a childhood friend of Gross, missed a field goal attempt of his own, keeping the score 7-0.

Washington followed that up by finally breaking through late in the second quarter with a 13-play, 70-yard drive that ate up over four minutes of game time. Williams led the balanced march, capped off by Jonah Coleman’s one-yard plunge for his 13th touchdown of the year.

At the break, Williams is 14-of-19 for 155 yards, while Coleman has eight carries for 27 yards and a score, plus three receptions for 41 yards. Freshman receiver Raiden Vines-Bright has added three catches for 35 yards, including a key 31-yarder on the tying drive.

Tied 7-7 at halftime, Washington will receive the opening kickoff of the third quarter. This is the type of game where every possession matters, and the Huskies will need to do a better job of taking advantage of any scoring opportunities they can get.

Defensively, coordinator Ryan Walters needs to make adjustments to slow down Underwood, as the Huskies are lucky the Wolverines have only scored seven points with the poor defense they've been playing.