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Michigan football vs. Washington predictions for Big Ten play

Posted on by Vanessa
Michigan football vs. Washington predictions for Big Ten play

Michigan football is approaching three full years without a loss in Big Ten play. While they weren't all losses – see last week's thrilling game against Minnesota – they were all wins, and as the Wolverines have said all week, that's all that matters.

This weekend, for the first time this season, they hit the road, leaving the spacious confines of the Big House and heading to the picturesque setting of Husky Stadium on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Of course, to get to Washington State, the Wolverines had to take to the air – ironic, since air travel has been a major problem on offense all season, as quarterbacks Davis Warren and Alex Orji have been very unkind to Michigan's skies.

Will the Wolverines enjoy their visit to the Evergreen State or will they be the Big Ten's second victim to get trounced in Seattle (after Northwestern two weeks ago)? Five Free Press sports writers have some thoughts:

Tony Garcia

It would be foolish to exclude Michigan from any game, but winning this game will be a challenge. It's a 2,000-mile journey into a hostile environment against a program looking to avenge a loss in a CFP championship game in January. U-Dub moved the ball well in the air and Michigan was vulnerable to the pass. If UM doesn't take an early lead, the second-half struggles of the last two weeks point to a possible collapse. Simply put, it's hard to win at Husky Stadium, where U-Dub has won 17 straight games. The choice: Washington 26, AT 20.

Rainer Sabin

Nearly nine months ago, the Wolverines ran over the Huskies to win the CFP title. A lot has changed since then, which explains why an unranked Washington team with two losses, a different coaching staff and a roster full of new faces is the favorite to beat No. 10 Michigan. The Wolverines didn't inspire much confidence in the first month of the season, despite winning four of their first five games. Their passing offense, which averages 115.4 yards per game through the air, is dead last among Power Four teams and has made Michigan one-dimensional.

Expect Washington defensive coordinator Steve Belichick — son of NFL legend Bill — to find a way to beat the Wolverines at deafening Husky Stadium in UM's first test of the season. After all, the Huskies have allowed just 12.4 points per game and have a top-10 defense. The choice: Washington 23, AT 17.

Jeff Seidel

That's the same score by which Rutgers beat Washington in New Jersey last week. And Michigan will try to do the same as Rutgers, which ran for 184 yards against Washington. The Wolverines should be able to move the ball on the ground, too, but when the Wolverines need him most — when they need to do something through the air — he'll come back and get them in the… well, you know. The choice: Washington 21, AT 18.

Shawn Windsor

Make it a second straight win for the Wolverines, who defeated the Huskies in January with much more on the line. Both programs lost talent to the NFL and coaches to other teams. UM could have a leg up when it comes to remaining talent, and certainly on defense. The current game will be just enough to win again. The choice: AT 19, Washington 16.

Carlos Monarrez

Both teams are shadows of their CFP title game. And Washington is looking particularly bleak with two losses, including last week at Rutgers and three weeks ago at a neutral site in Seattle against Washington State. Still, it's a loss for the Wolverines, who are playing on the road for the first time this season and will have to contend with a Huskies offense that can score quickly thanks to accurate and productive quarterback Will Rogers, Mississippi State transfer, and two talented receivers. The choice: Washington 24, AT 22.

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