The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Michigan Football prepares to face Washington. It's been a whirlwind since the Wolverines clinched the National Championship almost two years ago. With a record of just 12-7 since then, including a loss to the Huskies last season, Michigan is now in a must-win situation, with Washington coming to Ann Arbor.
To even dream of the College Football Playoff, Michigan likely needs to string together six consecutive victories. This journey begins with a crucial showdown against Washington. Let's dive into a few bold predictions for this high-stakes matchup.
Prediction 1: Michigan's Defense Will Find the End Zone
Given the offensive struggles Michigan has faced this season, the defense might need to step up and score to secure a win. We've become accustomed to seeing the defense, with players like Will Johnson, make game-changing plays and score touchdowns. While this hasn't happened yet this season, expect that to change on Saturday. Despite some inconsistent performances, the defense has proven its ability to create turnovers in critical moments. Against Washington, a crucial turnover could be the turning point.
Prediction 2: Washington Will Dominate with Over 500 Yards of Total Offense
The Michigan defense has been a surprising disappointment this season, echoing the early struggles of last year. After a strong finish in 2024, it seemed Wink Martindale had things under control. However, last week's loss to USC exposed significant vulnerabilities in the defense. The Trojans racked up 489 total yards of offense, and Washington is poised to surpass 500 this weekend.
Prediction 3: Washington Will Triumph by Two Scores
Michigan is favored by 5.5 points, a fact that's hard to reconcile given the team's current state. Last week's performance revealed the team's significant challenges. In contrast, the Huskies have been impressive. Their only loss was to Ohio State, and even in that game, there were positives to take away. If Washington had converted some of their drives near the Ohio State goal line, the outcome could have been drastically different. While Michigan desperately needs a win, it feels like we're heading toward a harsh reality check for the program. Expect the Huskies to win this one, with a score of 31-17.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you agree with these predictions? Are you confident in Michigan's ability to turn things around, or do you share the concerns about the defense and offensive struggles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! What are your bold predictions for this game?
