In order to get back in the win column following the loss to USC last weekend, the Michigan Wolverines must find a way to slow down Washington Huskies dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr. on Saturday
at the Big House. Williams presents several challenges for defenses because of his ability to break contain, which leads to big plays in the pass and run game.
It will be pivotal for the Wolverines to keep Williams in the pocket and make him uncomfortable. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized to the media this week that the defense has to limit him from extending plays.
“You have to be ready — he’s dangerous running the ball, he’s dangerous throwing the ball,” Moore said. “You have to do a great job containing him and making him feel uncomfortable. That will be the key to stopping him and winning the game.”
In a win over Rutgers last week, Williams looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He broke a Washington record with an astonishing 538 total yards — 402 passing and 136 rushing yards — along with four total touchdowns. He showcased how dangerous a player he can be, and there’s no doubt the Wolverines will have to keep him in check to come out with a win.
Michigan must be disciplined in their defensive assignments and finish tackles, which has been a major problem lately. The Wolverines had 14 missed tackles in the loss at USC, which cannot happen against Washington and Williams this weekend.
“One of the things we hit on last week was tackling in speed and space. We didn’t do a good job of that,” Moore said of the effort at USC. “Players have been in numerous times to look at it and fix it, and those are things we’ll continue to attack over the week.”
It will definitely be a long day for the defense if it can’t finish tackles and put Williams in tough spots throwing the ball. He has forced 24 missed tackles in six games this season, so clearly he has an elite ability to extend plays.
Sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan discussed with the media on Tuesday night what it takes to contain a dual-threat quarterback like Williams.
“A running quarterback brings another factor to the game, so we have to make sure everything’s tight,” Sullivan said. “We have to keep him contained as much as we can, make sure we’re in position to tackle him and then get him down.”
In addition to his rushing prowess, Williams currently ranks among the Top-10 in the country in several statistical categories. That includes completion percentage (74.1), total offense (335.0), yards per pass attempt (10.3) and QBR (86.1).
“He reminds me of a great player,” Michigan defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. said when asked if Williams reminds him of another quarterback. “He’s an outstanding player and outstanding athlete so I’m excited to go against the best.”
Williams improved his decision-making since last season and has developed a dynamic connection with wide receiver Denzel Boston (30 catches, 44 yards, six touchdowns) as well as running back Jonah Coleman, so the Wolverines will have to make sure to slow them down as well.
“Obviously we’ll have to stop the run. (Coleman) is dangerous — he can make you miss and he can run you over,” Moore said. “It’s going to have to be a concerted effort to hold (Williams and Coleman) in check in order to win this game.”
With its back against the wall, Michigan has to find a way to keep Washington’s potent offense under wraps by creating pressure, finishing tackles and playing tight coverage. That’s obviously easier said than done when facing a quarterback as dynamic and skilled as Williams.
