2 INTs in 2nd half help Michigan Football bounce back, beat Washington

Two huge second-half INTs by Michigan linebackers Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan tipped the scales in favor of the Wolverines in their 24-7 victory...

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What is the story about?

After their worst outing of the season a week ago at USC, the Michigan Wolverines returned home on Saturday desperately needing a win over former Michigan assistant Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies.

It was a tough fight for a while, but two huge second-half interceptions by Michigan linebackers tipped the scales in favor of the Maize and Blue. The Wolverines came away with a huge victory at the Big House heading into their first rivalry game of the season.

Here’s how it all went down.

First Quarter

After a couple

punts by each team to start the game, the Wolverines dinked and dunked their way down the field before turning it over on downs on 4th-and-1 following a drop from Semaj Morgan. On the very next play, Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. hit wide receiver Denzel Boston for a 48-yard gain. Michigan’s defense stood tall after that, forcing a field goal attempt that was missed by Grady Gross.

Michigan took over and put together its first successful drive of the game. Multiple players contributed on the drive, with running back Jordan Marshall picking up tough yards, tight end Zack Marshall getting involved in the pass game, and Donaven McCulley also picking up a first down as well. The Wolverines went 80 yards in seven plays, taking just 3:47 off the game clock, with Bryce Underwood throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to fellow true freshman Andrew Marsh. Michigan 7, Washington 0

End of Q1: Michigan 7, Washington 0

Second Quarter

After picking up a couple first downs, the Huskies were forced to punt and got it down to Michigan’s seven yard line. The Wolverines had a second consecutive solid drive going, which featured more tough running from Marshall and a fantastic one-handed catch by Marsh. Unfortunately, the drive stalled out at the 30 yard line and Dominic Zvada missed a 48-yard field goal to keep the score at 7-0.

With 05:11 left in the half, the Huskies put together their best drive of the day up to this point. They picked up five first downs, including a 31-yard pass from Williams to Raiden Vines-Bright on 2nd-and-19. The drive was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from Jonah Coleman to tie the game. Michigan 7, Washington 7

HALFTIME: Michigan 7, Washington 7

Third Quarter

The Huskies went three-and-out to begin the second half, and the Wolverines put together another quality drive that ended with no points being put on the board. Facing a 4th-and-2 at the Washington six yard line, Marshall was only able to run for one yard before being pushed back by a few Washington defenders.

Washington strung together a few first downs — including converting on 4th-and-1 — but eventually punted. Michigan followed suit with a punt of its own following a three-and-out. However, on Washington’s first play of the drive, linebacker Cole Sullivan collected his third interception of the season to put the Wolverines in stellar position. Marshall took the first snap 14 yards to the end zone to get the lead back. Michigan 14, Washington 7

The Huskies had just three plays on their next drive, as Williams threw an interception on the second straight drive. This time, it was linebacker Jimmy Rolder coming down with the interception.

End of Q3: Michigan 14, Washington 7

Fourth Quarter

The Wolverines made Williams pay for that interception, as they went 62 yards down the field on nine plays, capped off with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Underwood to a wide-open Zack Marshall. Michigan 21, Washington 7

The Huskies needed points on the board to stay in the game, and instead, Williams was sacked by Derrick Moore and fumbled on fourth down to set up Michigan at the Washington 17 yard line. After draining 4:24 off the clock, Zvada redeemed himself with an important 26-yard field goal to put Michigan up three scores. Michigan 24, Washington 7

On Washington’s first play, Williams was picked for a third time — this time, in pretty hilarious fashion. Second-year safety Jacob Oden got his first interception while sitting on his backside thanks to Boston dropping the ball.

Michigan was able to run out the clock and secure the win.