After weeks of offensive sputtering and a sobering loss that raised doubts, the Michigan Wolverines rediscovered their swagger in a decisive 24-7 victory over the Washington Huskies. More than just a win, Saturday's performance marked a critical inflection point, shifting the season's trajectory from one of potential disappointment to one of renewed promise and control of their playoff destiny.

The turning point was stark and sudden. For much of the first half, the Wolverines were stuck in the offensive rut that had plagued them for weeks. They moved the ball but repeatedly stalled in opponent territory, a familiar sight for fans who watched the passing attack rank near the bottom of the FBS in 2024. The 7-7 score late in the third quarter had the Big House crowd on edge, fearing another repeat of last week's lopsided defeat to USC.

But then, as if a switch was flipped, the breakthrough came. A key interception by linebacker Cole Sullivan deep in Washington territory set up an immediate touchdown by running back Jordan Marshall. The play injected a palpable surge of energy into the Michigan sideline and the stands. The offense, emboldened, found its rhythm, and quarterback Bryce Underwood delivered his most efficient and confident performance of the season, showing flashes of the elite talent that made him the nation's top prospect.

The victory was a complete team effort, with the defense playing a dominant role. Coordinator Wink Martindale's unit, which had come under scrutiny after the USC loss, clamped down on the Washington offense. They forced three second-half interceptions and held the Huskies to just 40 rushing yards, transforming a high-powered offense into a one-dimensional, predictable attack. For a unit that had been the team's reliable backbone during the turbulent 2024 season, the performance was a powerful statement that its elite status remained intact.

The victory offers a path forward that was murky just a week ago. At 5-2, Michigan now enters a softer portion of its schedule. Favorable matchups against Michigan State and Purdue provide an opportunity to build momentum and refine the offense, which under new coordinator Chip Lindsey, is still finding its footing. The development of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, whose dual-threat capabilities add a new dynamic, will be key to the offense's ceiling. With a stifling defense and a developing quarterback, Michigan is not just a playoff contender, but one that has the potential to grow stronger with each passing week.

This win over Washington was more than just another game; it was a reaffirmation. It proved that the championship DNA from 2023 was not completely gone and that second-year coach Sherrone Moore has a team capable of reaching its potential. The path to the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is now clear, with control resting squarely in their own hands. For a program that weathered a tumultuous 2024 with a surprising bowl win over Alabama, this victory over Washington represents the most significant step toward writing a new, more positive chapter in Ann Arbor. The season that once felt like a championship hangover is now officially a new beginning.