3. Marlin Klein is not indispensable anymore
An argument can be made that Klein is not as vital as we thought he was going to be going into the season. He has missed time and has not produced more than two catches outside of the New Mexico victory. The seldom-used Zack Marshall and even less-used Deakon Tonielli outplayed him in 60 minutes. Marshall's performance in particular suggests that he warrants more playing time and targets.
To call Klein unnecessary is an obvious overreaction, though. When he is at his best, Klein can be the No. 1 option in the passing game, especially if Andrew Marsh or Donaven McCulley are nowhere to be found. The emergence of Marshall and Tonielli makes the offense and Bryce Underwood more lethal. Washington probably didn't expect either guy to beat them, nor could they have dreamed of game planning for them.
Michigan's tight ends today have 8 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown today with Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen out of the lineup. As expected!
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) October 18, 2025
Bryce Underwood has gone over the 200-yard passing mark four times this season. Davis Warren only did that once in 2024 with a better tight end available to him. Underwood and the offense may have found something by utilizing the tight ends more than they ever have to this point in 2025. Michigan's receivers have only surpassed the 100-yard barrier twice since 2023. Colston Loveland was the last to eclipse that dubious bar that Michigan receivers rarely reach.