The Michigan Wolverines will look to keep the four-game winning streak going this weekend, but the defense will be tasked with slowing down one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous and dynamic quarterbacks
in Maryland freshman Malik Washington.
Washington started the season hot — throwing for 250+ yards in the first four games to go with 10 touchdowns and one interception — but he’s struggled recently by throwing just four touchdowns compared to five picks over the last four games.
Still, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale knows the challenge that Washington will present his group this Saturday on the road.
“It’s really hard to slow him down. He gets into a rhythm and gets the ball out quickly,” Martindale told the media on Wednesday. “He’s got a strong arm, he’s a talented kid, and it’s going to be a tough challenge for us.”
In order for the defense to limit his production, Michigan will have to make Washington uncomfortable and force him into mistakes. He has shown a tendency to put the ball in harm’s way, so it will key to create pressure and generate turnovers.
“We’re really just looking at his tape to see what he does,” defensive back TJ Metcalf said. “He’s a good quarterback from what we’ve seen so far, but he’s also young and we have a very good defense so I like our chances.
“We went over that he does have interceptions this season, so we’re just trying to increase that number. We have to make sure everybody is doing what they need to do.”
Maryland is 1-5 when Washington has an interception this season, so the Wolverines will be looking to bait him into making contested throws. Creating at least one turnover should give Michigan a major upper-hand against the Terrapins.
“You can’t let him feel comfortable in the pocket, you need to re-route their wide receivers and show them different pictures in the back end,” Martindale said. “You have to tackle well, and you have to play with great effort and angles.”
Washington has displayed an ability to get the ball out accurately and quickly, allowing his wide receivers to get into open space and create big plays. When the Terrapins’ pass offense is in sync, it’s very difficult for defense to slow down.
Maryland has talented athletes on the perimeter including, leading receiver Shaleak Knotts (team-high 496 yards and five touchdowns). The Terrapins also feature Jalil Farooq and Octavian Smith Jr., all of whom work very well with Washington.
“Their skill players are very talented across the board,” Martindale said. “They’re all capable of making a big play at any time, so that puts a lot of stress on the defensive coordinator and puts a lot of stress on your defense, too.”
Maryland’s offensive line has done a good job protecting Washington, giving up only three sacks all season. The Wolverines know they will need to create consistent pressure while remaining tight in their coverage in order to have success on Saturday.
“The offensive line has done a fairly good job if he’s only been sacked three times, but he also gets the ball out fast,” Metcalf said. “We just have to hone in on making tackles, executing calls and being in the right position to be successful.”
There’s no doubt Michigan’s defense has what it takes to bottle up Washington, but it will take a disciplined and fundamentally-sound effort to limit him and the Maryland offense and come away with a win.
