Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a risky win over Minnesota

3. A business trip to the pacific northwest looms large

With the Minnesota win in tact, the Wolverines have now won over 20 plus consecutive Big Ten meetings dating back to 2021. Next up is a long flight across the country for its only visit to the west coast in the new-look Big Ten. It will also be in primetime against a school who, technically has not lost a home game since 2021. The loss to Washington State in the Apple cup was on a neutral field. The Cougars were also the last team to win at Husky stadium.

Michigan football is the first-ranked team that Washington has faced to date. They just struggled against the Big Ten's leading rusher coming into week five. That's good news for Michigan's rush offense. As for Washington State, they turned them over on downs at the goal line to outlast their rivals from the northernmost state on the map.

It's also Alex Orji's first taste of a hostile environment. He's gonna be in the crosshairs of a Belichick coached defense. Third downs and turnovers will be crucial like they were in the second half on Saturday. Both offenses will sure look a lot different from when they met up nine months ago. Plus the outlook for the remainder of the season hinges on whether this game goes south for Washington or if Michigan football can strengthen its playoff chances going into a bye week.