There’s one glaring issue that should have Michigan football fans uneasy as the Washington matchup approaches.
Looking back, the USC game may prove to be the defining point of Michigan’s season. It will either mark the moment the Wolverines began to rebound from their struggles, or the start of another underwhelming campaign.
Last season was considered a success largely because Michigan beat Ohio State. The Alabama win softened the disappointment, but the Wolverines still finished unranked and missed the playoff — something that can’t become a recurring trend. Two years is too many. Three would be unacceptable.
The key concern for Michigan after Week 7
Offensively, Michigan wasn’t perfect, but at least there were no dropped passes — a notable improvement from the Wisconsin game, when that was a major issue.
The defense, however, is setting off alarms. Against USC, the Wolverines surrendered nearly 500 yards and 31 points. Worse, this wasn’t an isolated problem. In matchups with Nebraska, Oklahoma, and USC, they’ve given up an average of 27 points and 284 passing yards per game.
The USC performance was historically poor — Michigan allowed a 61% success rate, the worst defensive outing under coordinator Bill Radjewski since 2003. It resembled the defensive breakdowns of the Don Brown and Rich Rodriguez eras.
Now comes a major challenge in Washington and quarterback Demond Williams, who averages 271 passing and 63 rushing yards per game — 334 total — with 14 total touchdowns and just one interception.
Washington adds balance with 188 rushing yards per game and a potent offense scoring 39.2 points per contest. Ohio State limited them to seven, and Michigan has the capability to do the same — if adjustments are made. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale must simplify the scheme and return to what worked late last season.
The Wolverines need to cut back on complex looks, use a tighter rotation, and improve their tackling — areas the team emphasized in practice this week. They’ll need results quickly, because right now, Michigan’s defense stands as its biggest problem heading into Week 8.
