The term must-win game is overused. But for Michigan football, Washington is a must-win game.
Michigan is 4-2 and 2-1 in the Big Ten. Every goal is still ahead of the Wolverines, but they have lost all margin for error in the Big Ten race and the race for the 12-team playoff.
There are five games to go before Ohio State, which looks like a juggernaut, especially on defense. Win out, including a win over OSU and Michigan football will be in the playoff.
Lose a game, and the Citrus Bowl or something along those lines would be the best-case scenario.