THE HUSKIES TAKE THEIR REVENGE ON NO. 10 MICHIGAN

Oct 6, 2024

5 min read

Updated: Oct 31

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 05: Washington players wrap up Michigan #20 (RB) Kalel Mullins during a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies on October 05, 2024, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire)

This highly anticipated matchup between the Washington Huskies (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) and the Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) had a special flavor. For the first time since last January's College Football final, where the Wolverines triumphed 34-13 at Houston's NRG Stadium, these two teams faced each other on the field again. The 72,132 spectators at Husky Stadium had not witnessed such a turnout since the game against USC in 2016, demonstrating the excitement generated by this rematch.

Today, the rosters bear little resemblance to those of 2023. Between the NFL draft, graduations, and transfers, both universities are starting anew. On the coaching front, Jim Harbaugh left Ann Arbor to return to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Kalen DeBoer departed for the University of Alabama, leaving Jedd Fisch at the helm of the Huskies. This renewal has infused new energy into both programs, making this confrontation even more intriguing.

The home team's fans, on this "Purple Day," hoped for a more favorable outcome than the previous year. For Michigan, this game recalled a victorious final that would be hard to reach again this year. For Washington, it was an opportunity to take control of their season after the disappointment against Rutgers last week, where they lost 21-18 by missing the game-tying field goal in the final seconds despite statistical domination. On the Wolverines' side, after their 27-23 victory where they escaped a fourth-quarter comeback by Minnesota, the anticipation was to see if Alex Orji would finally take the reins of the aerial attack, as Michigan had heavily relied on their running game led by Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards.

Washington started the game on offense. Denzel Boston caught a 36-yard pass from Will Rogers on the first play of the game, launching hostilities spectacularly. This was followed by a 10-yard run by Jonah Coleman and a new first down. However, Michigan's defense managed to stop the drive, and Grady Gross missed his 41-yard field goal attempt—a blow to his confidence after his failure against Rutgers.

Michigan varied its offense with short passes, running back motions, and a run by Alex Orji. They even attempted a fake reverse and a flea flicker, but the Huskies' defense was not fooled. The diversified playbook did not bear fruit, and the Wolverines were forced to punt.

Washington picked up the pace. Despite a sack by TJ Guy on Will Rogers, Rogers found Giles Jackson deep for 39 yards. Fakes and motions disrupted the opposing defense, and the Huskies continued to advance. Rogers concluded the drive with a 3-yard pass to Denzel Boston, bringing the score to 7-0. It was Boston's eighth touchdown of the season, confirming his status as a key player.

Washington's defense then smothered Michigan's offense, leaving no room for the running game and putting constant pressure on Alex Orji. The Wolverines were once again forced to punt. The first quarter ended with a 7-0 score in favor of the Huskies.

During the break between quarters, Michael Penix Jr. made an appearance, cheered by fans grateful for his time at Montlake. The quarterback, who had led the Huskies to the final last season, now plays in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.

Back on offense, Michigan persisted with its running game, but without success. The Huskies' defense, clearly well-prepared, neutralized the Wolverines' main strength since the beginning of the season. Forced to punt after five plays, the visitors struggled to find solutions.

Washington, for its part, seemed full of confidence. Will Rogers connected with Keleki Latu for 16 yards. Two plays later, coach Jedd Fisch innovated by lining up two quarterbacks on the field. A double pass from Rogers to Demond Williams Jr., who threw to Cameron Davis, resulted in a 37-yard gain, thanks to impeccable protection from the offensive line. Rogers then threw his second touchdown of the day on a precise pass to Giles Jackson, bringing the score to 14-0.

In trouble, Michigan made a strategic change by replacing Alex Orji with Jack Tuttle at quarterback. This choice proved fruitful: the Wolverines closed the gap thanks to a 39-yard run by Donovan Edwards, who pierced the Huskies' defense without being caught. The quarterback change brought an aerial threat and diversified Michigan's game, complicating Washington's task.

Washington's next drive was unsuccessful. Michigan took advantage of its momentum to conclude a drive with a 61-yard field goal by Tommy Doman, reducing the gap to 14-10. The Huskies tried to score points before the break by moving 64 yards in 1 minute and 45 seconds, but Grady Gross's field goal attempt was blocked. At halftime, the momentum had clearly shifted in favor of Michigan.

Returning from the locker room, Michigan continued its momentum. Jack Tuttle, providing a passing threat his predecessor did not offer, allowed the Wolverines' offense to progress 75 yards. They took the lead for the first time with a score of 17-14, following an 8-yard reception by their star tight end Colston Loveland. Michigan fans, galvanized, echoed "Let's Go Blue" in the stands of Husky Stadium.

The Huskies tried to respond, alternating runs by Jonah Coleman and passes to Giles Jackson. However, a sack by Josaiah Stewart on Will Rogers and a stop on a Coleman run forced Washington to give up the ball. The two teams exchanged possessions without managing to score until the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Will Rogers was sacked by TJ Guy, but Grady Gross this time succeeded in his 28-yard field goal, tying the game at 17 all. The Huskies' defense then showed imperial form, stopping Michigan after three attempts, supported by an electrified crowd.

Will Rogers strung together completed passes for a total gain of 30 yards but made a mistake by throwing an interception, ending a series of 269 passes without being intercepted. However, Washington's defense responded immediately by forcing a fumble recovered at the Wolverines' 32-yard line.

Jonah Coleman shone with a 27-yard run. Just 5 yards from the end zone, he managed to cross the line with a spectacular dive over the defense, giving his team back the lead at 24-17. Michigan attempted one last surge, but an interception by safety Kamren Fabiculanan sealed the fate of the game.

Michigan's defense resisted as best it could to stay within one possession but had to concede a 32-yard field goal by Grady Gross. With a 10-point lead, Washington seemed to hold their exploit. The score would remain there, and the Huskies toppled No. 10 Michigan, a first since 2001.

The crowd of fans, delighted by this result, flooded the field to celebrate with their heroes of the day. Washington managed the game from start to finish, showing resilience and adaptation in the face of Michigan's adjustments. This victory could be the turning point of their season, allowing them to approach upcoming challenges with confidence.

Final Score: Washington Huskies 27 - Michigan 17

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