Late Turnovers Detrimental in Loss at Washington

Saturday, October 5

Seattle, Wash.

4:30 PM PT

Michigan

4-2 , 2-1

Washington

4-2 , 2-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Michigan

Washington

Donovan Edwards (Michigan Photography)

10/5/2024 11:19:00 PM | Football

Box Score Notes Participation In the Trenches: Washington Recap PDF Boxscore Photo Gallery

By: Dave Ablauf, Chad Shepard

Site: Seattle, Wash. (Husky Stadium)
Score: Washington 27, #10 Michigan 17
Records: U-M (4-2, 2-1 B1G), Washington (4-2, 1-2 B1G)
Attendance: 72,132
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Oct. 19 -- at Illinois (Champaign, Ill.), TBD (TV: TBD)

SEATTLE, Wash. -- The No. 10-ranked University of Michigan football team could not prevail in a closely contested 27-17 defeat against Washington in its first road game of the season on Saturday evening (Oct. 5) at Husky Stadium.

In the loss, the Wolverines put together a stretch of 17 unanswered points between the second and third quarters but were unable to find the scoreboard otherwise. Washington capitalized on a pair of late turnovers -- a forced fumble and an interception -- with points late in the fourth quarter to secure the victory in a rematch of last year's CFP National Title game.

Donovan Edwards was a bright spot for the Michigan offensive attack, producing 118 yards over 16 touches and adding a touchdown run. The Wolverines totaled 287 yards (174 rushing, 113 passing) in the effort.

Defensively, the Maize and Blue saw a standout performance from Ernest Hausmann, who recorded an interception and 12 tackles -- setting a career high since transferring to Michigan and tying his career best at Nebraska. Josaiah Stewart (four tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss) and TJ Guy (4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TLF) also performed well in the loss.

The game opened with 14 unanswered Huskies points, including three- and 16-yard touchdown passes. The air attack was working early for Washington, throwing for 226 yards in the first half and converting on three crucial third downs -- all passing.

After punting on its first three drives, the U-M offense was able to strike paydirt on its fourth with a 39-yard Edwards rushing touchdown with 5:25 remaining in the second quarter. The score marked Edwards' second touchdown run of at least that length this season (41 yards vs. USC) and third in two games against Washington (41-, 46-yard TDs in last year's CFP National Championship Game)

On the next Michigan offensive drive, a pair of Edwards first downs led to a 45-yard Dominic Zvada field goal to move the score to 14-10 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. In the final 1:49, the Huskies strung together passes and set themselves up with a 28-yard field goal attempt. The try was blocked by Mason Graham to hold Washington to a four-point advantage heading into halftime.

The Wolverines retained their momentum with an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive to open the second half. The creative downfield attack saw long receiving plays from Amorion Walker (22 yards) and Semaj Morgan (16 yards) to set up an eight-yard touchdown on an improvised rollout pass between the returning Jack Tuttle and Colston Loveland.

Following a pair of drives resulting in punts traded between the teams, the Huskies broke their 26-minute scoreless streak with a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 13:38 remaining in the contest.

Less than three minutes later, the Maize and Blue defense shifted energy back in Michigan's direction when Hausmann recorded his first career interception with a leaping grab over the middle of the field at the U-M 19-yard line. The momentum swing was short-lived, as Washington forced and recovered a fumble by Tuttle on a short rush in Michigan territory five plays later. The turnover led to a one-yard rushing touchdown to give the Huskies a 24-17 lead with less than seven minutes remaining.

On the next drive, Washington forced another turnover, picking off a Tuttle pass at the U-M 41-yard line. The Huskies turned opportune field position into points again, converting on a 32-yard field-goal try to extend their lead to 10 points and secure the victory.

Michigan enters its first bye week of the season before traveling to Champaign, Ill., to take on Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 19. The game's time and broadcast information have yet to be announced.