Ann Arbor, Mich. — Behind a resurgent defense and a pair of freshmen stars, Michigan got back on track Saturday, defeating Washington 24–7 at Michigan Stadium.
Running back Jordan Marshall broke a 7–7 tie with a 14-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, and quarterback Bryce Underwood followed with a 10-yard scoring pass early in the fourth as the Wolverines pulled away for a decisive victory.
Michigan (5–2, 3–1 Big Ten) capitalized on three second-half interceptions, turning each takeaway into points to seize control of the game.
“That felt like Michigan football — the way it’s supposed to feel,” head coach Sherrone Moore said.
Defense rebounds in dominant fashion
A week after surrendering 31 points in a humbling loss to USC, Michigan’s defense answered with one of its sharpest efforts of the season. The Wolverines forced four turnovers — three interceptions and a turnover on downs — and held Washington (5–2, 2–2) to just 40 rushing yards.
“We knew we had to man up,” Sullivan said. “It was time to stop the bleeding. Tonight, we took a step forward.”
Linebacker Cole Sullivan sparked the turnaround with a third-quarter interception that flipped momentum in Michigan’s favor.
Freshmen fuel Michigan offense
With starting running back Justice Haynes sidelined, Marshall delivered a breakout performance, rushing for a career-high 133 yards on 25 carries and his first go-ahead touchdown of the year.
Underwood, the Wolverines’ freshman signal-caller, played one of his most efficient games to date. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns — a 22-yard strike to Andrew Marsh in the first quarter and a short toss to Zach Marshall that sealed the win.
“There’s a high standard for Bryce,” Moore said. “This was probably the cleanest game he’s played, and we’re going to keep pushing him to reach that level every week.”
Huskies’ offense unravels
Washington tied the game 7–7 just before halftime on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jonah Coleman, but the offense stalled from there. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who had thrown just one interception in his first 185 attempts this season, was picked off three times in five throws during the third quarter.
“I didn’t do a good enough job preparing him,” said Huskies coach Jedd Fisch, a former Michigan assistant. “We didn’t coach well, and we didn’t execute when we had chances.”
Williams finished 20 of 32 for 209 yards, while Coleman led Washington’s rushing attack with 50 yards on 16 carries.
Injuries and Next Up:
Both teams suffered key injuries. Michigan left tackle Evan Link was carted off with a lower-body issue, while Washington tight end Quentin Moore was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons but was reported to be moving all extremities.
Michigan, which fell out of the AP Top 25 after its loss to USC, now looks to regain momentum when it travels to face rival Michigan State next weekend. Washington returns home to host Illinois on Saturday.
