Observations on the loss to Washington, 17-27
Washington converted six red zones for 27 points, and scored 10 points off two Wolverine turnovers; Michigan had one red zone for 7 points, but could score no points off one Husky turnover. Our brief 3rd quarter lead, 17-14, was overcome by two turnovers, and a 13 point Husky comeback for the win.
Offense gained 287 net yards with 174 on the ground; they were 5 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 17 first downs. Jack Tuttle was 10 of 18 for 98 yards with a TD and an interception and a fumble turnover; he ran 5 times for 14 yards. As a result of the change, Donovan Edwards had 14 carires for 98 yards including a 39 yard TD, and caught two passes for 23 yards. Kalel Mullings ran 14 times for 49 yards. Colston Loveland caught 6 passes for 33 yards. Alex Orji was 3 of 7 for 15 yards, and ran 3 times for 11 yards. In all, our receivers caught 13 passes for 113 yards. Michigan had one minute more in time of possession, but the Huskies ran 6 more offensive plays. Our offensive line is feeble in pass blocking, and our quarterbacks do the best they can given the pass rushes coming at them; our receiving corps lack the ability to get open, and are quarterbacks are forced to throw balls in an area hoping for the best. We are an untalented offense, and lack the ability to score points, possess the ball, and come from behind when needed. After 6 games, our offense has shown it lacks the ability to be a championship caliber group; our opponents prepare to defend us, and can see from the film how easy it is to disrupt our offensive game plan. Carson Bruener and Voi Tunuufi led led the Husky tacklers with 6 stops each.
Defense was not good. Our pass coverage was poor. Our tackling was substandard as we continue miss tackles particularly in the open field. Washington gained 429 net yards with 23 first downs, and were 5 of 11 in 3rd down conversions. Will Rogers hit 21 of 31 for 271 yards with 2 TD passes, and an interception by Ernest Hausmann. Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry and Makari Paige gave up TDs or long pass plays; our safety coverage is atrocious. Demond Williams came off the bench and ran 5 times for 20 yards, and completed 2 of 2 for 44 yards. Denzel Boston caught 5 passes for 80 yards and a TD, and drew a pass interference call on Will Johnson. Keluki Latu caught 7 passes for 65 yards. Former Wolverine, Giles Jackson, caught 4 passes for 78 yards and a TD. Rashid Williams caught 2 passes for 21 yards. Jeremiah Hunter caught 3 passes for 21 yards. Cameron Davis caught a 37 yarder. Jonah Coleman ran 18 times for 80 yards, and a TD plus caught a 13 yards pass. Ernest Hausmann led the Wolverine tacklers with 12 stops.
Special Teams were not a factor in the game. Washington converted two field goals, and we converted one. Tommy Doman had another off game in punting with 5 punts averaging 37 yards each. We only forced the Huskies into 3 punts.
This will not be the last time we lose a game this season. We are one of the weakest teams in the conference and the nation offensively, and our defense isn't as good as we thought it might be. For this team to be ranked in the Top 10 or even the Top 25 is a joke, this year's team may not even be among the Top 40 when the season has been fully evaluated. We will have to re-group, and come up with game plans for Illinois, Michigan State, Indiana and Northwestern. Oregon and Ohio State will be certain losses. We could finish 8-4, 7-5, or 6-6 depending on how the team responds to this loss. The pressure is on our coaching staff to re-evaluate the team, and come up with solutions to the many problems we have. Go Blue!