Michigan Football: 3 Washington Huskies to watch this week

The Michigan Football team started its 2021 campaign with a bang, but a stiffer challenge awaits in Week 2.

After a resounding victory over the Western Michigan Broncos, the Wolverines are riding high.

Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies suffered an opposite result in their opener, a shocking upset loss to Montana, an FCS team, 13-7.

However, Week 2 presents a clean slate for both squads.

For the Wolverines, there is an opportunity to show out in front of an absolutely loaded recruiting visitor’s list, and to keep building momentum on the field into conference play.

For the Huskies, this week presents a chance to right the wrongs of their disastrous season opener.

In order to pull off what would now be a fairly surprising upset victory at The Big House, Washington will likely lean on these playmakers.

TE Cade Otton

With the Huskies, reportedly, down their top four receivers, the 6’5″ Junior is Washington’s top receiving threat.

Otton put up a stellar stat line last week, recording 8 catches for 82 yards in the loss.

He has shown the ability to be a go-to receiver in the past, as he posted two consecutive games with 100+ yards in 2020’s COVID shortened season.

Otton will likely be split out wide more than he has previously with the current WR depth chart being what it is in Washington.

It will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald attempts to cover such a big body in open space on Saturday.

CB Trent McDuffie

McDuffie, a former top-150 recruit according to the 247 Sports Composite, represents the next iteration in a long line of talented defensive backs coming out of the Washington program over the past several years.

In fact, he was projected to go as high as 8th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft as recently as August 9th by Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network.

The Washington defensive backfield could be the best that the Wolverines face all season, and that begins with McDuffie on the outside.

While he only stands 5’11”, McDuffie plays a physical game and has the footspeed to keep the opposing deep threats in front of him.

He registered just 2 tackles and no passes defended in the loss to Montana, but look for McDuffie to try and energize his defense with some aggressive play early in the game against Michigan football.

LB Edefuan Ulofoshio

Ulofoshio is an Alaska native who came to Washington as an unranked recruit in the 2018 class, according to the 247 Sports Composite.

He has carved out quite a career for himself to this point, however, even being named Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked Linebacker returning to college football.

As the leader of the Huskies’ defense, Ulofoshio will play a massive role in stopping a Wolverine rushing attack that racked up over 300 yards last week against Western Michigan.

The former walk-on prides himself on being an all-around player, being the only Power Five defender to post a PFF grade of 82.0 or better in run defense, pass rushing, and coverage since 2019, according to 247 Sports.

Overall, with McDuffie and Ulofoshio spearheading the attack, Washington is a defensive minded team, but Michigan football will need to bring the intensity on both sides of the ball if it hopes to improve to 2-0 after Week 2.