14 - The Michigan Daily - Friday, September 7, 2001 MATCH UPS Continued from Page 12 MICHIGAN PASS OFFENSE VS. WASHINGTON PASS DEFENSE: Last year, Michigan might have had a clear advantage in this category, thanks to a couple of guys named Henson and Terrell. But this year, the Wolver- ines are trying to rebuild their passing game with a new starting quarterback (John Navarre), a new go-to receiv- er (Marquise Walker), and four new starting linemen. Against Miami (Ohio), Michigan's passing game showed flashes of brilliance, but it also showed flashes of ineptitude. Navarre connected with Walker on one deep ball, but most of his passes were short or mid- range throws. Navarre's stats looked decent - 19-for- 32, 205 yards, one TD - but the passing game is clearly not the juggernaut it was last year, at least not yet. Washington returns seven starters on defense, and the Huskies could have a brutal pass rush, thanks to Trip- plett and Ellis. The Huskies lost safety Hakim Akbar to the NFL Draft, but they have a potential rising star in cornerback Sam Cunningham. This is where the Husky Stadium crowd will have its biggest effect. Unless Michigan shows marked improve- ment from last weekend, the Huskies' pass rush -- aided by the crowd noise - will throttle the Wolver- ines' passing attack. Edge: Washington WASHINGTON RUSH OFFENSE VS. MICHIGAN RUSH DEFENSE: Michigan's run defense was porous at times against Miami (Ohio). RedHawks tailback Luke Clemens ran right through the front seven on multiple occasions, gaining 33 yards on one play. To make mat- ters worse, starting outside linebackers Eric Brackins and Larry Foote both left the game with injuries. Even if they both play against Washington, they probably won't be 100 percent. Michigan will need Brackins, Foote and anyone else they can find to shut down Washington's superb tail- back tandem of senior Willie Hurst and sophomore Rich Alexis, who are as good as any pair of running backs in the country. Alexis, who ran for over 700 yards and nine touchdowns last year as a freshman, has the look of a superstar. Both running backs have power and speed to burn. If Michigan had trouble containing Clemens, wait until the Wolverines get a load of Washington's tail- backs. Even if Brackins and Foote are at full speed, it could be a long day for the Wolverines. Edge: Washington WASHINGTON PASS OFFENSE VS. MICHIGAN PASS DEFENSE: Washington is never known for a prolific pass offense, and without Marques Tuiasosopo, it could be a real struggle this year. Sophomore Cody Pickett assumes the reins, and though he is talented, Saturday's game will be his first career start. As a result, there is a good chance the he will have some early jitter. Not helping his cause is the fact that Washington, like Michigan, is breaking in four new offensive linemen. But, there are a few things working in Pickett's favor. For starters, Washington has a lot of talent amongst its receiving corps. Todd Elstrom is the leading returning receiver, and he is joined by converted tailback Paul Arnold and heralded freshman Reggie Williams, who should see some playing time on Saturday. The Huskies also have perhaps the best tight end in* the nation, 6-7 junior Jerramy Stevens. Michigan's tallest linebacker is 6-3 Larry Stevens (no relation), and its tallest defensive back is true freshman Ernest Shazor, .who stands 6-4 but didn't play against Miami (Ohio). Unless Michigan can come up with a creative defen- sive scheme, Jerramy Stevens could run wild, giving. Pickett a valuable security blanket. Maybe the biggest factor in Pickett's favor is Michi- gan's pass coverage. The Wolverines pulled in three interceptions against Miami (Ohio) but still have a lot to prove after last season's generally horrid showing. If Michigan can get an interception early on when Pickett is still battling his nerves, the Wolverines could have the upper hand. But if Pickett can stay calm and avoid silly rmistakes, he should be fine. Edge: Washington SPECIAL TEAMS: By Lloyd Carr's own admission, Mithigan's kicking game was awful against Miami (Ohio). Problems with long-snapping affected Hayden Epstein's punting, but Epstein has nobody to blame but himself for his wobbly kickoffs which died at the 10- yard line. Punt returner Julius Curry didn't do much more than fall on the ball, and Michigan hasn't had a kickoff return for a touchdown in a decade. Washington kicker John Anderson is regarded as one of the better kickers in the country, and punter Ryan Fleming is entering his third year as a starter. The Huskies weren't spectacular in their return game last year and are searching for a new kick returner, but that still puts them no worse than Michigan. As poor as Michigan's special teams were against Miami (Ohio), they will have a tough time improving greatly amidst a foreign, extremely hostile environment in Seattle. Edge: Washington INTANGIBLES: Rick Neuheisel and Lloyd Carr are two of the top coaches in the country, so that's a wash. Both teams are inexperienced at multiple key positions, so that's also a draw. Michigan has a game under its belt, but Michigan also has no current game films of Wash- ington to study, so that can be considered a draw. The one real benefit that Washington has is that the Huskies are hosting this game. Given Washington's track record at the "House of Pain," home field will def- initely be an advantage tomorrow Edge: Washington PREDICTION: Judging by their rankings (for what they are worth), these teams are relatively, evenly matched. Michigan has already played a game, but the Wolver- ines showed enough flaws -particularly in run defense and tackling - that Washington should be optimistic about its chances. Navarre has faced loud crowds before, but he strug- gled mightily at UCLA and Illinois last season. Since surrounding talent isn't nearly as seasoned now as it was then, it's hard to see him suddenly playing the game of his life in Seattle. Michigan's defense also doesn't appear capable of picking up the slack, based on its play against Miami (Ohio) and the injuries to Brack- ins and Foote. If Pickett comes out nervous and turns the ball over a few times, Michigan has a chance. But if he plays to his team's strengths - Jerramy Stevens and the running ,game -the Huskies should win. Washington 27, Michigan 17 a. MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily Although it won't be simple, the Wolverines - led by head coach Lloyd Carr - look to remain undefeated by beating the Washington Huskies in Seattle tomorrow. Michigan holds a 64 lead in the all-time series between the two. REC INTRAMUIRALS The University of Michigan Department of Recreational Sports INTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAM WHATS HAPPENING Intramural Soccer and Broomball Officials Needed!! * N o E xp e rie n ce J N ecessary 0 * Officials ar Paid for All Games Worked SPORTS NeR I NT RA MU RAL SH Get a Free -Shirt Flexible fours Training Clinics Continue 7-111nm Mnndlav Cngtmhr 11 .