Michigan Football’s Playoff Hopes in the Balance: Justice Haynes Questionable, Marlin Klein Out vs. Washington

Picture this: 93,000 fans roaring under the Big House lights, a College Football Playoff berth hanging in the balance, and two of Michigan’s most explosive playmakers suddenly in doubt. That’s the high-stakes drama unfolding as the #2 Wolverines prepare to face #3 Washington in the CFP semifinal—without tight end Marlin Klein and with running back Justice Haynes’ status shrouded in question marks.

This isn’t just another injury report. It’s a strategic earthquake for Jim Harbaugh’s squad. Klein, the 6’5” matchup nightmare who dominated Iowa in the Big Ten title game, is officially out. Haynes, the speedster who averaged 7.1 yards per carry this season, is “questionable”—a word that makes Michigan fans flinch after last year’s playoff heartbreak. So what does this mean for the Wolverines’ game plan? And could this be the opening Washington’s ferocious defense needs?

Let’s break down the impact, adjustments, and X-factors that could decide Michigan’s playoff fate.

The Domino Effect: How Klein’s Absence Reshapes Michigan’s Offense

Why Marlin Klein Was the Secret Weapon

If you only watched Michigan’s box scores, you might miss Klein’s value. His stats (12 catches, 150 yards, 3 TDs in 2023) don’t jump off the page—but his blocking and red-zone dominance do. Against Iowa, he:

• Bulldozed linebackers on Blake Corum’s 11-yard TD run.
• Dragged two defenders for a 17-yard catch on 3rd-and-long.
• Created space for Roman Wilson’s back-shoulder fade (a play Washington will copy).

Without him, Michigan loses its most versatile tight end—a player who could inline block like a tackle or split out like a receiver. Who replaces that?

The Next-Man-Up Candidates (And Why They’re Not Klein)

Harbaugh’s options are limited but intriguing:

1. Colston Loveland (Sophomore): A pass-catching specialist (21 rec, 275 yards, 2 TDs) but struggles as a blocker. Expect Washington’s edge rushers to feast if he’s asked to seal the edge.
2. Max Bredeson (Freshman): A 6’5” former 4-star recruit with Klein-like size, but he’s played just 12 snaps all season. Throwing him into the fire against the Huskies’ defense is risky.
3. Two-TE Sets with A.J. Barner: Barner’s a mauler in the run game, but this limits Michigan’s play-action creativity.

Bottom line: Washington’s linebackers (Edefuan Ulofoshio, Carson Bruener) will blitz more aggressively without Klein’s blocking. Look for delayed handoffs and quick slants to counter.

Justice Haynes: The Speedster Who Could Tip the Scales

Why “Questionable” Feels Like a Gut Punch

Haynes isn’t just a backup—he’s Michigan’s home-run hitter. His 7.1 yards per carry led all Wolverines with 20+ attempts, and his breakaway speed (see: 60-yard TD vs. East Carolina) forces defenses to respect the edge. Without him:

• Defenses can stack the box against Blake Corum (who averages 3.8 YPC vs. 8+ defenders).
• Michigan loses its best screen-game weapon—Haynes had 12 receptions, many on wheel routes.
• The play-action fake becomes less effective (Haynes’ speed sells the run).

If he’s out, expect Donovan Edwards (4.9 YPC in 2023) to shoulder the load—but he’s not the same big-play threat.

The Silver Lining: Washington’s Run Defense Isn’t Unbreakable

The Huskies allow 4.2 yards per carry (58th nationally)—middle of the pack. Their strength is pass rush (3.2 sacks per game), not gap discipline. If Haynes plays even 50% of snaps, Michigan can exploit:

• Outside zone runs to attack Washington’s aggressive DEs (Bralen Trice, Zion Tupouata-Fetui).
• Jet sweeps to Haynes or Roman Wilson (forces LBs to over-pursue).
• Play-action bootlegs with J.J. McCarthy rolling right.

Prediction: If Haynes plays, Michigan tops 175 rushing yards. If he doesn’t, they’ll struggle to hit 120.

3 Adjustments Michigan Must Make to Survive

1. Unleash the “Joker” Package

Harbaugh loves unbalanced lines and pre-snap motion. Without Klein, expect:

• Roman Wilson in the backfield on orbit motion (confuses Washington’s zone coverage).
• Blake Corum split wide on 3rd-and-short (forced mismatch vs. a LB).
• More Wildcat with J.J. McCarthy (he ran for 2 TDs vs. Ohio State).

2. Attack the Middle (Where Washington Is Weakest)

The Huskies’ inside linebackers are susceptible to:

• Seam routes by Loveland or Cornelius Johnson (Klein ran these perfectly vs. Iowa).
• Draw plays on 2nd-and-long (Corum excels at reading blitzes).
• QB sneaks—McCarthy has 3 rushing TDs this year.

3. Win the Field Position Battle

With both offenses stalling possible, special teams become critical. Michigan must:

• Pin Washington inside the 10 (punter Tommy Doman averaged 45.3 yards in 2023).
• Limit Penix’s deep shots—Huskies’ WR Rome Odunze averages 18.1 yards per catch.
• Steal a possession with a fake punt or onside kick (Harbaugh’s not afraid).

The Washington Perspective: How the Huskies Will Attack

1. Blitz Early, Blitz Often

Without Klein’s blocking, Washington DC Diego Gonzalez will dial up:

• A-gap blitzes to force McCarthy into quick throws.
• Delayed safeties (like the one that sacked Caleb Williams in the 2022 CFP).
• Corner blitzes from Jabbar Muhammad (4 sacks in 2023).

2. Dare Michigan to Throw Deep

The Wolverines rank 102nd in passing plays of 20+ yards. Washington’s press-man coverage (led by CB Elijah Jackson) will:

• Jam Wilson and Johnson at the line.
• Force McCarthy to check down to RBs (where LBs can rally).

3. Feed the Hot Hand: Michael Penix Jr.

Penix thrives when:

• Given clean pockets (Michigan’s pass rush is 10th nationally in sack rate).
• Targeting Odunze on slants (12 catches vs. Texas in the Sugar Bowl).
• Using RPOs to freeze Michigan’s LBs (they bit hard on play-action vs. Alabama last year).

Key stat: Penix is 15-1 when his completion percentage tops 65%. If Michigan’s secondary (led by Will Johnson) can’t disrupt timing, it’ll be a long night.

What History Tells Us: Michigan’s Injury Playbook

2022 CFP Semifinal vs. Georgia: The Blueprints

Last year, Michigan lost two starters (RB Donovan Edwards, LB Junior Colson) before the Georgia game. The result?

• Offense: Stalled with 1.9 yards per carry (season low).
• Defense: Allowed 427 total yards (most in 2022).
• Outcome: 42-41 loss (missed 2-point conversion).

The lesson? Harbaugh’s teams fight, but depth issues in the playoff are fatal.

2021: How They Overcame Adversity

Against Ohio State (with two injured OL starters), Michigan:

• Ran 76% of plays under center (vs. usual 60% shotgun).
• Used TEs as extra tackles (Luke Schoonmaker had a career-high in blocks).
• Won 42-27 by controlling tempo.

Takeaway: If Michigan simplifies the game plan and leans on Corum/McCarthy’s experience, they can survive.

Fan Reactions & the Big Picture

Twitter Erupts: “Here We Go Again”

Michigan fans are haunted by 2022, when injuries to J.J. McCarthy’s shoulder and the OL doomed their title hopes. The vibes this week:

Justice Haynes questionable is the most Michigan football thing ever. We’re gonna lose by 3 because of a missed FG aren’t we

— @UMichFan4Life

But there’s also optimism:

Harbaugh is 5-0 in bowl games when his team is underdogs. Bet against him at your own risk.

— @BigHouseBets

Playoff Implications: The Path to the Title

If Michigan wins:

• They likely face Texas or Alabama in the final (both beatable).
• Harbaugh would become the first coach to win a nat’l title at Michigan since 1997.

If they lose:

• The “Harbaugh can’t win the big one” narrative roars back.
• Recruiting takes a hit—5-star QB Jadyn Davis is watching closely.

How to Watch & What to Expect

Game Details

📅 Date: January 1, 2024
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM ET
📍 Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
📺 TV: ESPN
🎲 Spread: Washington -3.5 (as of 12/28)

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Michigan’s OL vs. Washington’s Edge Rush: LT LaDarius Henderson vs. Bralen Trice (10.5 sacks in 2023).
2. Roman Wilson vs. Elijah Jackson: Wilson’s 14 TDs lead Michigan—can he win 1-on-1?
3. J.J. McCarthy’s Legs vs. UW’s Spy: McCarthy ran for 2 TDs vs. OSU; Washington will assign a LB to shadow him.

Prediction: The X-Factors

Michigan wins if:

• Haynes plays AND gets 10+ touches.
• They win the turnover battle (Washington is +11 in TO margin).
• Special teams deliver a hidden-yardage swing (like a 50+ yard punt return).

Washington wins if:

• Penix tops 300 passing yards (he’s 10-0 when he does).
• Michigan’s OL allows 3+ sacks.
• The Huskies score first (Michigan is 11-0 when scoring first in 2023).

Final Score Prediction: Washington 27, Michigan 24 (but don’t be shocked if it’s a 1-possession game either way).

What’s Next? 3 Storylines to Follow

1. The Transfer Portal Wildcard

If Michigan loses, expect 1-2 starters to enter the portal (OL and WR are thin). Washington, meanwhile, could lose Penix and Odunze to the NFL.

2. Harbaugh’s Future

A loss fuels NFL rumors (again). A win? He might finally get that lucrative extension Michigan’s been avoiding.

3. The Big Ten’s Playoff Reckoning

With Michigan and Washington both in, the conference’s depth is on display. But if both lose, the “SEC is king” narrative grows louder.

Your Turn: How Do You See It Playing Out?

Are you buying the Wolverines’ resilience, or does Washington’s elite QB play seal the deal? Drop your predictions in the comments—best take gets a shoutout in our post-game recap!

And if you’re craving more CFP breakdowns, check out:

• Texas vs. Alabama: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
• How Injuries Have Shaped Michigan’s Playoff Runs

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Let’s settle this in Houston. Who ya got? 🏈