By Andrew Bailie Posted on

UW vs. Michigan preview: What to watch for in Saturday’s game

After two come-from-behind wins over Rutgers and Maryland, UW heads to Michigan to play the Wolverines on Saturday. The Huskies are looking to gain the respect of AP voters, as they continue to be just outside the top 25 rankings at 5-1. If they beat the Wolverines in The Big House, the Huskies would finally gain the respect of the voters. UW’s last win at Michigan came in 1984, a 20-11 upset victory over the No. 3-ranked Wolverines. This is what the Huskies must do to win their first game in The Big House in 41 years.

UW seeks a fast start

In the last three games, the Huskies have struggled in the first half and have been outscored 33-13. The UW has not held an early lead since late in the second quarter against Ohio State. When asked about the Huskies’ struggles at the beginning of games during his Monday presser, Head Coach Jedd Fisch was clear that being ahead when the whistle blows to end the game is all that matters.

“They scored first, and then we drove right back down, and then just missed a field goal, or it’s 7-3. You know, first two possessions. And then we wound up out at some pretty bad field position after a penalty, and next thing you know your down 10-0. And then next thing you know, your down 10-0. What I love is the fact that our team didn’t blink. You know, there was no flinch, there was no like, I can’t believe we got to do this again. It’s been 10-0, its been 13-0, in the first half. I’m glad we scored to make it 10-7, and then once it’s 10-7, it’s just normal football…The games are decided at the end of the game when it’s all said and done. And what I’m most proud of is when you can outscore your opponent 80-10 in the fourth quarter. It’s certainly a credit to the team’s resiliency as well as our strength and conditioning program.”

The Husky’s head coach was pleased with the way his team moved the ball in the first half against Rutgers. They just needed to do a better job of avoiding turnovers, penalties, and miscues in special teams.

UW cannot rely on a second-half comeback against Michigan.

The Huskies were fortunate to come back against Rutgers and Maryland after having slow starts. UW had plenty of time to mount a comeback against those two teams because they threw the ball far more than they ran. The Scarlet Knights passed on 65% of their plays, and the Terrapins threw the ball on 71% of their plays. If Michigan has a lead in the second half, it will mostly turn to its run game. The Wolverines average 216.3 yards a game on the ground and can take the air out of the football.

UW needs to be an elite run defense on Saturday

The Huskies have been fantastic through their first six games against the run. They currently have the sixth-best rushing defense in the country. UW has allowed just 82.8 yards per game on the ground, and will need to continue that effort against a physical running team in Michigan. The Wolverines are a run-heavy team, boasting 17 rushing touchdowns compared to five passing touchdowns. Stopping the run will be key to beating Michigan.

The Huskies’ defense looks to continue to hold strong in the red zone

UW’s defense gave up 493 yards of total offense against Rutgers last Friday, but held them to just 19 points. The Huskies did a phenomenal job in the red zone of keeping the Scarlet Knights from scoring touchdowns. Rutgers scored a touchdown on one of six red zone possessions, as UW’s defense stiffened inside its own 20. In order to win, the Huskies need to continue to keep the Wolverines out of the end zone on Saturday.

Huskies’ QB Demond Williams looks for another big game

QB Demond Williams has led the Huskies to two come-from-behind victories the past two weeks. Following his performance against Rutgers on Friday, where he put up 538 total yards of offense, he was named Big Ten Player of the Week. Williams went over 400 yards passing and 100 yards rushing, an accomplishment no Husky QB has ever achieved before him. Williams has the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of the nation Saturday.

UW’s O-line and Williams go up against Michigan’s defense

The Wolverines will likely put a spy on Demond Williams to keep him from scrambling. Williams needs to be smart when he runs the ball to protect himself and avoid those big hits. Also, the Huskies’ offensive line will do their best to protect Williams when he is in the pocket. UW is hoping LT Carver Willis or LG John Mills return this week to strengthen the left side of the O-line. If neither Willis nor Mills is available, expect Maximus McCree and Paki Finau to start at LT and LG to protect Williams’ blindside.

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