Less than nine months ago, Washington and Michigan faced off for a national championship in a classic matchup between the Pac-12 and Big Ten, highlighting the history of those conferences.
Now, as the Huskies and 10th-ranked Wolverines meet on Saturday, it will be an early-season clash between Big Ten teams that look very different from the ones that played in Houston last January.
Almost everything has changed for this game compared to that night when Michigan won its first national title since 1997 with a 34-13 win over Washington.
This time, the coaches are different. The quarterbacks have changed. The player rosters are significantly altered.
Perhaps the biggest change is that this is now a conference game, as the Huskies have joined the Big Ten.
“We got our work cut out for us. It’s going to be a great atmosphere. I’d be shocked if it wasn’t absolutely packed in the stadium,” said Washington coach Jedd Fisch.
Michigan (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) is heading out of Ann Arbor for the first time this season, coming off two close wins, first against No. 11 USC and then a narrow victory over Minnesota.
The last time the Wolverines didn’t leave home until their sixth game was in 2016.
“I think our players are excited to get on the road. It removes distractions, gets rid of all the outside noise, and you’re sort of in your own bubble with your team,” said Michigan coach Sherrone Moore. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come by my office saying, ‘Yeah, we’re ready to hit the road. I’m ready to take this show on the road.’”
Washington (3-2, 1-1) has lost two of its last three games, including a 21-18 defeat at Rutgers last week. The Huskies controlled possession and gained more yards than the Scarlet Knights but struggled due to penalties, missed field goals, and issues in the red zone.
