5 things to watch for Michigan football against Washington

Here are five things to watch ahead of Michigan football's national championship rematch.

Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore celebrates a play with Michigan running back Donovan Edwards and Michigan quarterback Alex Orji during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. / Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Can Kalel Mullings rush for 100 yards again?

Mullings has been the most reliable part of the Michigan offense this season with 570 yards in five games. The one-time linebacker is averaging 7.0 yards per rushing attempt and has six touchdowns including four over the past two weeks.

Washington has a solid defense though. The Huskies allow just 3.7 yards per rushing attempt and are 10th in scoring defense nationally at 12.4 points allowed per game.

But last week, Rutgers was able to rush for 184 yards and two touchdowns last week. I'd hazard a guess that the Michigan football offensive line, despite some of its struggles, is better than Rutgers. That group is starting to figure it out and just like the USC game, Michigan can win up front.

It remains to be seen if Donovan Edwards can rip off a long run like he did in the national title game. However, the most important thing is getting Mullings going again. If the Wolverines can't do that, it's hard to know what this offense can do.

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