Michigan Football: Washington’s loss puts pressure on Wolverines

Washington was upset by Montana last week which now puts pressure on Michigan football to beat the Huskies.

Michigan football put on a dominant performance in its season opener, crushing to a 47-14 win. It was a very business-like approach and Michigan was able to get whatever it wanted offensively.

The Wolverines ran over for 300 yards and passed for over 200 yards. Cade McNamara was efficient while J.J. McCarthy flashed his immense potential.

Blake Corum looked like Michigan’s best running back while several receivers flashed big-play potential. After a rocky start, the defense settled in and delivered a solid performance as well.

Meanwhile Michigan football’s week 2 opponent, Washington, shockingly lost to FCS opponent Montana 13-7 at home. Washington’s loss takes a little of the luster out of next week’s matchup.

The Huskies will assuredly be out of the top 25 when the polls come out on Tuesday. If anything, its loss puts all the pressure on Michigan football next week.

Pressure is now squarely on Wolverines

It was already going to be a big game for Michigan. The Wolverines are hosting a loaded group of visitors headlined by five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen and a Washington contingent, mostly notably five-star offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

It was also going to be a game that could have gotten the naysayers off Jim Harbaugh’s back, at least for a few weeks. If Michigan beats Washington, it should be 4-0 heading to Madison on October 2nd with home dates against Northern Illinois and Rutgers coming up.

Now, Michigan’s game against Washington becomes a game it cannot lose. Michigan cannot allow Washington to come 2,300 miles and win a week after losing to Montana.

However, the Huskies losing to Montana won’t make next week’s game any easier. Washington likely will go to a bowl game like the four ranked teams before them to FCS opponents in their season opener.

Washington still has a strong defense that will things a lot more difficult on Michigan than Western Michigan did. The Huskies also will be playing without much pressure now. Everyone will now assume that Washington sucks so a loss to Michigan is expected.

After last season, Michigan is not in a position to overlook anyone. I am not suddenly expecting Michigan to win by five touchdowns because Washington lost to Montana.

However, Michigan’s defense should find some success next week. Washington was without its four receivers and the passing game suffered.

However, Washington also did not take advantage of a smaller Montana defensive front. The Huskies only mustered 65 yards rushing on 2.4 yards per carry.

If Michigan is able to build on last week’s defensive performance, it could win next week’s game with its defense and send the Huskies back to Seattle with an 0-2 start.