OSU, Maryland, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan State sent warning on Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines after UW win

Andrew Hughes

OSU, Maryland, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan State sent warning on Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines after UW win image

The Michigan Wolverines handled business in Week 8, defeating the Washington Huskies 24-7 in a rematch of the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Ann Arbor. With the win, Sherrone Moore’s program has confidence in making a run to the 2025/2026 12-team CFP field.

Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon warned that the margin of error is thin after losses to the Oklahoma Sooners and USC Trojans, especially the 31-13 blowout defeat to the latter, but showed confidence in Michigan being 9-2 heading into Week 14 against the Ohio State Buckeyes for “The Game.” Quarterback Bryce Underwood’s efforts (21/27 passing, 230 yards, two TDs), combined with Wink Martindale’s defense limiting Demond Williams Jr. (three interceptions) in the passing game, got credit for that confidence.

It wasn’t all smiles and sunshine for the Maize and Blue, though. Kenyon also mentioned discontent behind the scenes for Moore, who went 8-5 in his first season following Jim Harbaugh’s title campaign with wins over Ohio State and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“The murmurs of discontent had begun to surface at Michigan. Though the Wolverines held a 4-2 record, they've struggled in their toughest games—and freshly ranked Washington was coming to town,” Kenyon wrote.

“For a moment, at least, there's a sense of calm.

“True freshman Bryce Underwood pieced together the best performance of his young career, completing 21-of-27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. He added 25 rushing yards and didn't commit any turnovers in the 24-7 win.

“Michigan also intercepted three passes, silencing Demond Williams Jr. after the Washington QB's explosive performance last week.

“The schedule now lightens a bit for Michigan, which is solidly a back-end contender for the College Football Playoff. In all likelihood, the Maize and Blue will be favored in each of the next four contests and could hold a 9-2 record heading into the finale against rival Ohio State.

“Michigan's margin for error is minimal, to be sure, but there's no denying the Wolverines' path to contention is straightforward.”

Underwood’s being a freshman gives these Wolverines some grace in 2025. They’ll be expected to take a step forward in 2026, with Moore’s job being on the line if they don’t.

But the win over the Huskies on Saturday slows down any such talk for this season. A few wins should be easily found against the Maryland Terrapins, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers, and Michigan State Spartans to shut it down for good. Until next year.

Andrew Hughes

Andrew is a freelance journalist based in Auburn, Alabama, who currently serves as the site expert for Fly War Eagle and Glory Colorado. His work has been featured in The Miami Herald, Bleacher Report and Heavy Sports. Andrew graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in print journalism in 2017 and has been a sports fan since 1993. He has covered the University of Alabama’s pro day and the American Century Championship.