Keys to the Game: Michigan football at Washington

We’re at another pivotal point in the season for this Michigan football team, and it’s a new challenge for Team 145 — playing somewhere else other than Michigan Stadium. Many are anxious to see how this team responds to playing on the road, especially with so many new faces on offense, but one thing is certain … if U-M is going to win this game, the defense will play a huge role.

RELATED: Staff Predictions: Michigan football vs. Washington

“You’ve got to pack your defense first, and obviously, your run game,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said. “And you’ve got to be sound and be disciplined in everything you do. Obviously, the first time that we’re on the road, the noise … it’s going to be a great environment. I think our players are excited to get on the road. It eliminates distractions, eliminates all the outside stuff, and you’re kind of in your cocoon with your group.

“I’ve seen a lot of guys come by the office and [say], ‘Yeah — we’re ready to get on the road. I’m ready to take this show on the road.’ So, packing your defense, having a good run game, and being balanced is going to be the main thing.”

This is a rematch of the CFP National Championship game. While Washington fans might see it as a shot at revenge, it’s doubtful either of these two teams will be in the position they were last year. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to win, of course — this is a big game for this season, a crucial one for both teams given their tough schedules.

“Every team is different, and yeah, they are different,” Moore said. “Obviously, you start with the quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. was a first-round draft quarterback … but they’re still a good football team. They still can beat you through the air and on the ground, and beat you with sound defense.

“So, especially going to their place, it’s going to be a challenge for us. We’re excited to go take it on.”

Here are the keys to winning Saturday at Washington:

Michigan Key No. 1: Stay ahead of the chains on early downs

This is going to be a tough one given how loud it is at Husky Stadium and the number of guys playing significant minutes for the first time in this type of environment. We’ve got eyes on the offensive linemen and the quarterback here. Any false starts, late reaction to the snap, etc., and they’ll be facing more second- and third-and-longs than they can probably overcome.

“We’re practicing on that,” Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell said. “Coach Moore’s cranking up the music at practice. Everybody coming off simultaneously … that’s the hardest thing whenever you’re doing the different cadences, various cadences.

“Obviously, early in the game it’s going to be super, super loud. Hopefully, we can cancel that noise. If we do, we can go to various different cadences. It’s important to come off the ball together. We practiced it a lot yesterday, a lot in the past couple weeks. We need to continue to thrive in that situation. When you don’t fire off together, it’s kind of hard to execute the run game or even the pass game.”

How they fare could well be the biggest key to the outcome Saturday.

Key No. 2:  Limit communication breakdowns in the secondary that lead to big plays

The Michigan defense has done a great job the last two years of bending but not breaking, keeping explosive offenses out of the end zone and making them kick field goals when they get into the red zone. That hasn’t been the case in the last two games, especially, and for much of the season overall. 

Wink Martindale’s group has had some very good moments, including some very good halves the last two weeks. Even the second half against Texas was a huge improvement. Though some would suggest the Longhorns took the foot off the gas, they were still throwing deep, etc., in the second half. There needs to be better communication in the secondary and no freebies — no receivers running uncovered or safeties late to coverage. Make Washington earn every yard it gets, and this defense will have good opportunities to get off the field and help the offense

Michigan Key No. 3: Run and protect the ball

These are obvious ones. Ideally, they’ll play the kind of game they want to play, control the clock with senior back Kalel Mullings and play complementary football. If they can’t run, they might have to turn to another quarterback to move the ball through the air. That could be a recipe for disaster.

If the Wolverines can do both of these, they’ll have a much better chance to win.

The breakdown: Michigan football vs. Washington

Even really good Michigan teams have had a hard time with average to above average West Coast teams over the years in their home venues, and it’s hard to imagine this one flipping the script. No, Washington isn’t very good, but that’s a tough home venue — extremely tough — and this is the first road game for a lot of key Michigan starters. Quarterback Alex Orji is the biggest, and he’ll have his work cut out for him. 

At the same time, there’s some championship DNA still on this team, too, and in key areas. This Michigan defensive line should have a big advantage over the Washington offensive line, and getting All-America cornerback Will Johnson back after a week off will help against coach Jedd Fisch’s passing attack. 

The head says the Huskies win this one at home and extend U-M’s program losing streak to hosts on the Coast. The heart says the Wolverines pull out a close one with a dominant defensive effort. We’ll go with the heart this time … and hope they get some bounces.