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3 things we learned against Washington

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3 things we learned against Washington

Three takeaways from Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News following Michigan's 27-17 loss to Washington in Week 6.

Supporting the O-line

This was hardly an elite Michigan offense, and when they entered the game in Washington, two of the Wolverines' starters were out with injuries.

Center Dominick Giudice appeared to have suffered an injury near the end of the Minnesota game a week earlier, as did left tackle Myles Hinton, and neither played in the loss to the Huskies. Greg Crippen, who had rotated at center, started at Washington, and Jeff Persi started at Hinton.

“We’ll watch the film and see how they did,” said Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, who coached the offensive line the past three seasons. “I always can't say so quickly how the guys at the front performed. Kind of critical of them. It felt like we moved the ball with them and converted some four-and-ones and three-and-ones. Gigantic.”

The line's run blocking has improved, but the pass protection still needs improvement. Now the line has an extra week before playing at Illinois to make some progress.

Secondary problems

As in games earlier in the season, Washington made a habit of relying on Jyaire Hill, who had some issues in coverage and also had trouble staying on the ground (as did running back Donovan Edwards). Zeke Berry and Makari Paige also had problems.

In the first quarter, Michigan didn't make any big passing plays of 36 and 39 yards. In the second quarter, Washington had a 37-yard passing play.

“We just have to do a better job of closing the gap on the fundamentals. That’s the biggest thing,” Moore said. “If we forego short passes, we have to clean up the tackles in space. These (Washington receivers) are athletic in space, but we need to find the ball better. If we can do that, we’ll be a pretty good defense.”

Michigan, which ranked 103rd nationally in pass defense and averaged 248.8 yards, gave up a season-high 315 yards passing and two touchdowns at Washington. In Michigan's other loss this season, Texas had 246 yards passing and three touchdowns.

More: Tuttle's performance in relieving Michigan could be enough to secure the starting spot

Finding continuity on special teams

The good thing for Michigan was Dominic Zvada, who made his only field goal attempt, this time from 45 yards. He is now 8-of-8 this season, including four from 50 yards or more. Washington kicker Grady Gross missed his first shot from 41 yards, but that second one, just before halftime, was close and blocked by Kenneth Grant, another special teams asset.

Coming into the game, punter Tommy Doman appeared to be on top of his game the last two games. He averaged 44.1 yards this season and landed seven punts inside 20 yards. Against Washington, Doman struck out five times for an average of 37.0 yards and only had one punt inside 20 yards. Late in the third quarter, Michigan led 17-14, Doman's punt went 35 yards to the Washington 44-yard line. The Huskies then scored a field goal to tie the game. Doman's punt early in the fourth quarter traveled 39 yards to the Washington 32-yard line. The Huskies reached the Michigan 37 when quarterback Will Rogers was intercepted by Michigan linebacker Ernest Hausmann.

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@chengelis

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