The Washington Huskies are in a new conference which means new programs to learn and new rivalries to bloom. In the inaugural season of the Big 10 conference the Huskies will see all of the former Pac-12 teams, but will be introduced to six new conference foes. In this series we will look at the program in 2024 and the worry meter of a Washington loss (1 no worries-10 extremely worried). Next up, Michigan
Of all of the new rivalries in the Big 10 conference it sure seems like Michigan is a prime candidate to become a rival. Washington has only matchup up more against Minnesota (17 to Michigan’s 14) but the last matchup was in 1977 and both programs have now beaten each other to earn a national championship.
Out goes Jim Harbaugh and in steps former offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. Husky fans know all too well what can happen when a coordinator takes over, plus Moore could be inheriting a program on the verge of serious sanctions.
Coming off of their national championship Michigan is in a similar position as Washington on the offensive side of the ball. Just like Washington the Wolverines will be overhauling their entire offensive line, they will be bringing in a new quarterback and their top receivers are playing on Sundays.
The similarities don’t stop there. Both Washington and Michigan feel very good about where their running back room is headed into 2024 with high expectations coming from Donovan Edwards who will be the feature back. Michigan also brings back a all-conference caliber tight end in Colston Lovelace who should be a quality security blanket for whoever wins the job.
The defensive side of the ball is where Michigan still packs the punch.
Washington saw firsthand the physicality of the defensive line that made Michael Penix uncomfortable all game. Possible All-American D-lineman Mason Graham bolsters a line that loses two key pieces but still brings a ton of experience including double digit sacks from the end positions.
The linebackers will need to gel as Michigan brings in Nebraska’s Ernest Hausmann and Maryland’s Jaishawn Barham.
Michigan is deep in the secondary bringing back possibly their best returner in Will Johnson who stood out with his physical play.
The questions marks go beyond the roster and scheme for the Wolverines as the NCAA is poised to drop sanctions on the program after the Connor Stallions controversy that hung over their undefeated season in 2023. As of now the NCAA hasn’t made the punishments public, but everything is on the table.
Possible bowl eligibility might be in doubt so who knows what the state of the program will be in week five when Michigan comes to town.
This matchup is very intriguing because Washington seems to be in a better spot offensively in their rebuild with what looks like a quality defense. Michigan on the other hand has the potential day one players at multiple positions on their defense.
Mason Graham has already shown Husky fans what he can do and if the Carroll led offense can’t find a way to scheme away from his ability to wreck plays then it will be a long day on Montlake.
As of Monday Moore has not named a starter between Alex Orji or Jack Tuttle for their home opener against Fresno State, but this secondary will be in good shape to have the advantage in that matchup. The question will be around if they can find a way to stop the run game.
Worry Meter: 7
