ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s football team returns home from its West Coast trip needing to win out to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) host the Huskies (5-1, 2-1) at noon Saturday as a 5 ½-point betting favorite on BetMGM. For a second straight game, Wink Martindale’s defense will be facing one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten.
Washington averages 486.5 yards and 39.2 points per game, and its quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., is coming off a program record-setting performance with 538 total yards in last week’s win over Rutgers.
The Wolverines lost last year’s meeting in Seattle, 27-17, but have a shot at redemption in Ann Arbor. The wild card of Saturday’s matchup is the status of Michigan standout running back Justice Haynes, who exited last week’s loss to USC in the first half because of injury. Head coach Sherrone Moore said on Monday that he’s questionable.
Here are score predictions from MLive’s beat writers:
Aaron McMann
A must-win game for Michigan to maintain hopes of reaching the playoff this year. And I can’t think of a scenario in recent years where the pressure was on the defense any more. After last week’s debacle vs. USC, UM has to turn around and prepare for dual-threat QB Demond Williams Jr. Tackling in open space will be critical.
I’m not sold on Washington just yet given its rather weak non-conference schedule, and the cross-country travel sure doesn’t help matters. Haynes’ availability may help swing this game for Michigan, though. The Wolverines need him to help balance things out. If he doesn’t play, I envision a scenario where UM loses this game. For now, though, I’m taking Michigan to win a close one. Prediction: Michigan 27, Washington 24
Ryan Zuke
Which Michigan will show up on Saturday? The Wolverines have had a difficult time stringing multiple quarters together of sound football, let alone games. The defense has long been the hallmark of the program, but after allowing 489 yards against the Trojans, the unit has fallen out of the top half of the conference.
Williams is dynamic, but he also has two elite playmakers who can create headaches for defenses: running back Jonah Coleman and receiver Denzel Boston. The Huskies will get their yards against Michigan’s defense, but this week I think Wink Martindale’s unit gets just enough stops and the Wolverines’ offense finds another gear. Washington has outscored opponents 80-10 in the fourth quarter this season, but Michigan will reverse the script Saturday and use a big fourth to win. Prediction: Michigan 28, Washington 27.
Andrew Kahn
What happened at USC has to be a wake-up call for Michigan’s defensive players and coaches. I’m not exactly sure what changes will or even need to be made, but the Wolverines clearly did not execute whatever was being asked of them Saturday. Washington doesn’t run the same offense as USC but is equally explosive. I’m predicting Michigan will be much better prepared to handle the Huskies.
Having a healthy Haynes is critical to Michigan’s offense. Jordan Marshall was solid in his absence last weekend but doesn’t have the same big-play ability. Washington won its last road game, two weeks ago at Maryland, but another long trip figures to have some negative effect. Trying to stay undefeated as we enter the second half of the season...
Michigan 27, Washington 23
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