A Star in Waiting, a Team in Question: Michigan, Washington Face Defining Test

Both Michigan and Washington enter Saturday’s showdown with something to prove. For the Wolverines, it’s about salvaging a season that’s already veered off course. For the Huskies, it’s about showing they belong among the Big Ten’s elite — and that their sophomore quarterback deserves national attention.

Demond Williams has quietly put together one of the most productive seasons in the country. But with the national spotlight rarely landing on the West Coast, this "Big Noon Saturday" showdown could be his breakout moment. For Michigan, the challenge runs deeper. A loss to USC knocked the Wolverines out of the Top 25 and reignited concerns about identity and how far the program has drifted from its Harbaugh-era dominance.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, FOX Sports writers RJ Young and Michael Cohen dig into two central questions: What’s held Demond Williams back from national recognition — and could this be his coming-out party? And what is Michigan’s identity under Sherrone Moore, and what will it take for the Wolverines to bounce back?

RJ Young: He got plenty of respect from Ohio State. As a matter of fact, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was the first coach to publicly compare Williams to Kyler Murray.

Heading into their game against the Buckeyes, the Huskies averaged 58 points per game and 568 yards with offensive coordinator Jimmy Dougherty dialing up daggers for Demond to toss. And, in every game save that Ohio State one, Williams has hit had exceptional accuracy. Even after Washington's 24-6 loss to the Buckeyes, Williams ranks fourth in the Big Ten in passing yardage (1,628 yards) and leads all Big Ten QBs in rushing (382 yards). Williams has 14 touchdowns this season and has just one interception in the first half