Report Card: Grading Michigan football in a 24-7 win over Washington 

Michigan played a great second half and pulled away from Washington, 24-7, to keep its Big Ten and playoff hopes alive. Bryce Underwood played his best game in a Michigan uniform and the defense was outstanding, improving the Wolverines to 5-2.  

We grade U-M in all facets following the win …

Michigan rushing offense: A-

There weren’t the explosive runs we’ve become accustomed to, but sophomore running back Jordan Marshall was very good moving the chains and putting the Wolverines in favorable down-and-distance situations. Sixteen of his carries went for 4 yards or more, with eight for 7 or more yards. Running for 192 gross at a 4.9 yards per carry clip will win plenty of games. 

Passing offense: A-

Underwood played maybe his best game, completing 21 of 27 pass attempts for 230 yards and 2 scores … and it would have been more if not for four dropped passes. Pass protection was solid, for the most part, and the tight ends played a big role despite not having Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen. The Wolverines averaged 11.0 yards per completion, led by Zack Marshall‘s 72 yards.

Michigan rushing defense: A+

The Huskies managed only 40 yards rushing (58 gross, 2.8 per carry), and explosive quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was held completely in check. He was held to -19 yards including sack yardage and was never allowed to get free on straight runs or scrambles. The front seven wasn’t dominant physically, but every player did his job throughout. 

Passing defense: A

Three interceptions were huge, and two by linebackers (one each for Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder) were game changers. They made Williams into a pocket passer, and while they got beat on a few screens and big plays — 139 yards came on 5 passes — the Michigan pass defense came up big in the second half. The Huskies had only 54 yards passing after the break, none in the fourth quarter. 

Michigan special teams: C

Punter Hudson Hollenbeck had one good punt, one bad, and the return game was not a factor again. The Wolverines have to get kicker Dominic Zvada back to form. He missed once again, this one from 48 yards that would have put the Wolverines up 10-0.