Jim Harbaugh discusses punt return plans, previews key matchup with Washington

Saturday’s game between Michigan and Washington will be the first “Maize Out” in the Big House for some time, and Wolverines fans will be hyped and be looking to make enough noise and hand the Huskies their second straight loss to open the 2021 season.

But Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh doesn’t care that the Huskies are coming in after an 13-7 upset loss to Montana in their opener and made that clear.

Harbaugh met with the press for his Monday morning press conference, and emphasized that they will be preparing for the Huskies as usual, and that “what happened Saturday doesn’t matter” when looking at this week’s matchup.

Harbaugh says they dedicated training camp practices to prepping for Washington. Watched film from this weekend, but have gone back and watched last year’s too. Harbaugh said what happened Saturday doesn’t matter and that game two is the toughest to prepare for. Focused on that.

— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) September 6, 2021

Harbaugh also addressed the loss of returner Ronnie Bell, who is now out for the year with a knee injury he suffered Saturday during a punt return in Michigan’s 47-14 win over Western Michigan.

Right now it looks as if Caden Kolesar will be handling the returns with Bell out, until A.J. Henning can get comfortable in the role, according to Harbaugh.

Kolesar handled the duties on Saturday and was named the Wolverines player of the game on special teams for the week.

Harbaugh on punt returner: “Right now Caden (Kolesar)’s our most sure handed guy aside from Ronnie.” Says AJ Henning can take over the role once he’s comfortable fielding punts. Adds that Kolesar is also a top rusher on punt returns, but will have him do returns if needed

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 6, 2021

Michigan and Washington will kickoff at 8:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 11 in Ann Arbor.