This game was much more anticipated before Washington’s loss to Michigan. The Wolverines dominated but left with questions about their passing game.
After the loss to Montana, Michigan came into the game as the seven-point favorite. Early on, the game was in doubt because of the slow start of each offense. Michigan’s defense was stifling and it looked as though the only way Washington could win was if it was a low-scoring game.
Michigan was unable to pass during the game, only totaling 44 passing yards, and didn’t get the ground game going until Jim Harbaugh made the decision to run a fake punt. Shortly after that decision, Blake Corum scored the first TD on a 67-yard run. After the half, Michigan ran eight times and scored on a 73-yard drive featuring Corum and Hassan Haskins.
Washington finally scored in the third quarter, but the game was never really in doubt. Michigan pounded the ball 56 times for 343 yards to salt the game away. Both quarterbacks in this game were lackluster and, for Michigan, the rest of their season hinges on their ability to have an adequate pass game to complement their strong run game.
Washingon Huskies
Cade Otton, TE
Otton is one of the top tight-end prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft Class and is a playmaker for Washington. Most of the offense struggled all night until the game was well in hand in the fourth quarter. Otton only had three catches for 33 yards but had an impressive run after the catch on a short screen play. That play showed that his size and athleticism could translate in the NFL.
Trent McDuffie, CB
McDuffie is a top 35 NFL prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft, according to Sporting News. He is on the smaller side at 5’11” and 195 lbs but plays tougher than his size. McDuffie was not targeted at all against Michigan but had six tackles and one tackle for loss. His ability to cover and support the run should help his draft stock if he enters the 2022 NFL Draft.
Michigan Wolverines
Blake Corum, RB
Corum is not eligible until the 2023 NFL Draft but his stock is quickly rising in 2021. Against Washington, he had 21 carries for 171 yards and 3 TDs. Corum has already tripled his yardage from his freshman year and matched the number of receptions.
Corum has looked tougher between the tackles this year and has the explosion to get outside and speed past defenders for big gains. The 2023 Draft is filled with running back talent but so far, Corum looks like he could contend to be a top-five back in the class.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE
Hutchinson was hurt early in the season in 2020 and decided to come back to Michigan for his senior season. Against Washington, he matched up with Jaxson Kirkland all game. Kirkland is a top-seven prospect per Sporting News. Hutchinson dominated with six pressures, including three sacks, and looks to be one of the top defensive line prospects in next year’s draft.
Daxton Hill, S/NB
Hill was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and has been the bright spot on a disappointing Michigan defense the last two years. With a new defense this year, he is playing faster and is on pace to pass his season-high in tackles.
Against Washington, Hill had six tackles and showed his quickness in diagnosing the play and making the sure tackle. His versatility in playing multiple positions on the backend of the defense should serve him well come NFL Draft time.
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