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Michigan Football: 5 things we learned in huge win over Washington

By Chris Peterson

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

Michigan football ran all over Washington on Saturday night at the Big House, and here are five things we learned about the Wolverines. 

The Maize Out proved to be a success for Michigan football. The fans showed out, were loud, and were treated to a stellar performance from Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines.

Leading up to this one, we said it was going to be low-scoring and even predicted an NFL-style battle between the two teams. And while it started that way, Michigan football didn’t have much need for a pro-style offense.

The Wolverines simply ran the ball right down Washington’s throat and there wasn’t a damn thing the Huskies could do about it.

The defense was also exceptional. Not only did the Wolverines hold Washington to just 10 points but the running game, which was my biggest concern going into the game, went nowhere.

Michigan football’s front seven owned the line of scrimmage. So did the offensive line but holding Washington to 1.6 yards per carry on offense might secretly be the most exciting stat of the night.

The most worrisome: Cade McNamara’s 7-of-15 for 44 yards passing stat line. Yet when you run for 343 yards and demoralize the other team, does it really matter?

Last night it didn’t and looking back at Michigan’s 31-10 win, here are five things we learned:

Michigan football has an identity on offense

It’s the running game and it’s going to be the focal point of the offense this season. And after what we have seen in two games, it should be.

Certainly, the passing game will need to do more than it did last night, although if the offense is putting together drives like last night, it might not need to.

Three times in the second half against a very good Washington defense, Michigan drove down the field for touchdowns on drives that covered 73 yards, 75 yards, and 56 yards. They also were eight, 14, and 10-play drives.

How many passes did Michigan complete on those three drives? One. McNamara was 1-for-2 with nine yards on a completion to Blake Corum. He also ran for a first down.

That’s how dominant Michigan was on offense. The offensive line bullied the Huskies. Michigan ran up 6.1 yards per rushing attempt and scored all four touchdowns on the ground.

Michigan ripped off plenty of explosive runs, but maybe more impressively, was the way Corum and Hassan Haskins just ground out yard after yard. Both backs went over 150 yards as Corum had 171 and Haskins finished with 155.

The Wolverines lost their identity last season and now, they have found it again, and it’s going to be running the ball and being physical — not for the faint at heart.

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