Michigan Football: Predictions for a game (Washington) far, far away..

If Michigan football makes the trip to Washington, here’s a look at what might happen in the season opener for the Wolverines.

Whether or not the currently scheduled Michigan football games will be played on September 5th is currently TBD. Like anything else, we really don’t know what’s going to happen until it officially happens.

SO, in the spirit of optimism and guesswork, I am previewing the team whom I believe Michigan football will be playing, the Washington Huskies, and what I believe the outcome will be. Time will only tell if they are who I think they are going to be. Likewise, for the Wolverines.

Chris Petersen’s exit from Washingon was unexpected. Though despite coming off a disappointing 8-5 season there is no reason to believe that Washington is on the decline. Will they be up to the task to offensively compete for four quarters against Don Brown’s “Dude Squad?” A group of swarming, hyperactive athletes who thrive in his orchestration of organized chaos.

Leading the way for the Huskies is first-year head coach Jimmy Lake. Despite being on staff for a 1-10 season 2004 as the DB coach of the Washington Huskies, and holding the same position for the infamous 2008, Pre-season Champion, 0-16 Detroit Lions, new Huskies head coach Jimmy Lake is no loser. The man can coach.

The school’s official website explains in just 5 years coaching defensive backs, Coach Lake has produced one 1st round draft pick and FIVE 2nd round draft picks. In 2020, he is returning PFF second-team All-American CB/NB Elijah Molden, returning two freshman All-Americans in Trent McDuffie and Cameron Williams, alongside experienced youth at safety. The trend of high draft picks is poised to continue at the west coast’s DB-U.

Coach Lake’s first season as a solo defensive coordinator came in 2018 when his Huskies finished the season with the country’s 8th ranked total defense, 5th ranked scoring defense, and 15th in run defense. Opponents completed 64 percent of passes against his defense which, as listed on sports-reference.com, ranked at an astounding 120th out of 130 teams.

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Despite this, the opposition only averaged 190 yards per game through the air, which was good enough for 25th in the country. That means teams completed a lot of passes against this defense…but their receivers went nowhere. Teams had an even tougher time reaching the end zone through the air. Giving up less than one touchdown pass per game against teams like Mike Leach’s Washington State, USC, BYU, and Oregon. That tied for 3rd-best in the country.

Despite a down year in 2019 when the numbers dipped slightly due to player inexperience, 2020 is poised to be a year in which the defense re-establishes itself as one of the nation’s elite. Saturday Blitz’s Connor Muldowney breaks down the Huskies’ top 2021 draft prospects such as 3rd-year OLB Joe Tryon. Who’s coming off a breakout year in which he established himself as a pass-rushing force with DE size at 6-foot-5 260 pounds. Senior first-team all-conference DT Levi Onwuzurike, and a potential force in 5-star recruit Sav’ell Smalls.

Much like Michigan football’s offense in 2019, there is much uncertainty surrounding the Huskies in 2020. I love Chris Petersen, but I will say, if you have seen one Chris Petersen quarterback, you have seen them all. The teams that violate Don Brown defenses typically are led by elite-level quarterbacks. Gifted with high-level accuracy, arm strength, and mobility. As well as guided by highly skilled play-callers. Chris Petersen quarterbacks are Matt Ryan clones.

Michigan football will dominate on defense

Michigan eats pocket QBs.

Being the first game of the season with a first-year head coach, first-year OC, first-year DC, and a first-year starter at quarterback, I don’t see how the Washington Huskies offense can put Don Brown’s 6th-year defense at risk.

The biggest difference on Michigan’s defense which separates it from seasons past: Daxton Hill. Just a second-year safety, I am not expecting an award-winning type impact this season. That will come. It is his mere presence of playing centerfield that will affect quarterback’s decisions whether they go deep or check down. Also, having a player that is versatile enough to switch into the slot periodically for matchup purposes, or blitz off the edge will come up big.

It is also true that Michigan football has a question on offense. Who will be the quarterback? Skill positions will be a strength of the Wolverines offense. With Zach Charbonnet/Hassan Haskins duo and the receivers led by the experienced Ronnie Bell and Nico Collins, as well as either quarterback McCaffery or Milton (it will be one of the two) there is elite potential.

McCaffery has the size, IQ, and athleticism. Milton has his size and a bazooka for an arm. If either can control the huddle, manage the offense, and simply play their game, Gattis’ offense will have the opportunity to establish the inside run and control the tempo. Providing opportunities to their young playmakers Giles Jackson and (watch out for him) Cornelius Johnson. Controlling the game similar to Michigan State minus the scuffles.

There will be some rust on both sides. But I don’t expect Michigan to be caught off guard like Army or Oregon in years past. I see a defensively dominated game on both sides through halftime.

Dylan McCaffery and the Wolverines offense will find that ever-so-important identity coming out in the second half. Finishing this game late in the 3rd or early 4th quarters.

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Score: 13-7 at half. Final score 27-10 Michigan.

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