UPDATE: The Michigan Wolverines just delivered an impressive 24-7 victory over the Washington Huskies at home, showcasing a significant turnaround from their previous game. In a stunning performance, Michigan’s defense held Washington to just 249 yards, marking a remarkable rebound after their earlier struggles against USC.
The Wolverines’ offense surged in the second half, amassing a total of 419 yards and earning an overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 83.4, well above the average of 60-69. With this victory, Michigan improves to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten conference.
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood shone brightly, achieving a career-best PFF grade of 83.7. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, Underwood excelled in play-action situations, connecting on 9 of 11 attempts for 101 yards and a score, showcasing his growing confidence as a leader on the field.
In a welcome return, tight ends Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli stepped up in the absence of starters Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen. Marshall recorded five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown, while Tonielli notched three receptions for 38 yards, marking a significant milestone in their careers. Tight end Jalen Hoffman also made his mark, earning the team’s highest run-blocking grade at 83.2.
The linebacker corps proved pivotal in this game, particularly against Washington’s mobile quarterback and standout running back Jonah Coleman. Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder each intercepted passes in the second half, finishing with coverage grades of 82.9 and 81.2, respectively. Rolder also led the team with eight tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, while Ernest Hausmann excelled in run defense with a grade of 83.9.
This game marked a significant improvement in tackling for the Wolverines, who had struggled with 26 missed tackles in their previous two outings. Against Washington, they limited their misses to just three, achieving their highest tackling mark of the season at 85.4.
The Wolverines’ performance not only boosts their conference standings but also sets a positive tone moving forward. Fans are eager to see if this momentum can be sustained in the upcoming weeks. Michigan will be looking to build on this success as they prepare for their next matchup.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Michigan Wolverines continue their season!