close
close

Washington beats No. 10 Michigan 27-17 in the national title game rematch

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 05: Will Rogers #7 of the Washington Huskies celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Husky Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Washington defeated No. 10 Michigan on Saturday. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Washington earned its victory over Michigan about nine months late.

The Huskies defeated the No. 10 Wolverines 27-17 in the rematch of their national championship game thanks to a late interception by Michigan QB Jack Tuttle. Kamren Fabiculanan picked off Tuttle with less than four minutes left after Jonah Coleman put the Huskies ahead with a touchdown with 6:22 to go.

Washington was a home favorite entering the game despite a loss to Rutgers in Week 5. The Huskies had the better offensive unit on Saturday, although that wasn’t a high bar to clear. Washington QB Will Rogers threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns, although his fourth-quarter interception with the game tied put Washington in dangerous territory.

However, Michigan fumbled it right back. Tuttle tried to give Coleman’s go-ahead. After Fabiculanan picked off Tuttle, Washington needed to get a few more first downs to get the game going. They got it thanks to a pass interference penalty on Will Johnson and a rough passer penalty on a third down, while the Huskies got a first down and put the game away with a field goal.

Alex Orji started the game for the Wolverines and was pulled in favor of Tuttle. The seventh-year transfer from Michigan made his debut in 2024 after dealing with injuries during spring practices and fall camp. He failed to provide the spark Michigan needed at quarterback.

Orji was just 3 of 7 passing for 15 yards before being replaced. Tuttle led Michigan on a pair of touchdown drives, but quickly showed he was mortal himself with his two turnovers. Tuttle finished the game 10 of 18 passing for 98 yards.

Quarterback has been the problem position for the Wolverines all season and it’s becoming very clear that the answer isn’t on the roster right now. Michigan has a team that can compete for the Big Ten title with average quarterback play. But the Wolverines have struggled to achieve that and it’s hard to see if that will happen at all this season.