Same old offense, just more production.

That's what many casual observers of Saturday's game could say about the new offensive schemes unleashed by offensive coordinator Terry Malone.

"That's a fair statement," said quarterback John Navarre.

The Wolverines didn't line up nine wide receivers or utilize many trick plays (other than their usual reverse). They didn't overuse the shotgun set, run the option or throw deep every play.

But players liked that the "new and improved" offense was more efficient, productive and balanced.

Navarre, who threw nine interceptions in the final five games last year, had just one pick on Saturday - a batted ball at the line intercepted by defensive lineman Kai Ellis. Michigan coach Lloyd Carr has said he wants an offense that takes care of the ball, and the Wolverines turned the ball over just twice - even though they fumbled four times.

Michigan still was insistent on running the ball, just like it has since the Stone Age. The difference was, this time the offensive line gave enough push and created enough holes for Chris Perry to run through - and score more touchdowns on Saturday (three) than he had all last year (two). Perry's 57-yarder on the second play from scrimmage was the longest run by a Wolverine in nearly two years.

"We wanted to prove we're still Michigan and we can still move the ball through the running game," said right tackle Tony Pape.

The Wolverines finished with 150 yards on the ground, which was enough to keep Washington honest on several Michigan play-action opportunities.

As promised, the new offense included Navarre getting the ball to playmakers in short routes and letting them create. But instead of throwing every pass in the direction of a certain player (Marquise Walker), Navarre spread the ball to six different receivers - three of which caught at least five balls.

Michigan didn't utilize the tight end much, with Bennie Joppru catching just one pass in the final minutes for 11 yards.

"We have a lot more short passes, kind of West Coast Offense type stuff," said Calvin Bell, who had one catch for 28 yards. "We changed things a little, like making it easier for the quarterback to read and make checks and stuff."

The Wolverines did use four wide receiver sets, with fullback B.J. Askew sometimes lining up out wide or moving into the slot - which were two different idiosyncrasies for an offense that Navarre promised would "attack" the defense, "exploit its weaknesses" and be "more productive."

If one includes the three missed field goals, Navarre and Co. put the Wolverines in position to score 40 points - which is nearly 15 above last year's average.

"We don't have a big star on offense," Navarre said. "We have 11 average Joes out there."

But if "average Joes" can average more than 30 points, few will complain that the subtle changes to the Michigan offense aren't enough.

Star power: Junior receiver Tyrece Butler's performance certainly wasn't average, according to Carr. Butler caught six passes for 85 yards, most of which coming on key third-down situations. He was Michigan's savior late in the game , when he had the presence of mind to recover Braylon Edwards' fumble on the crucial, fourth- down play.

"The hustle that Tyrece Butler made won the game for us," Carr said. "Thank God Tyrece was hustling."

Carr said while he was displeased with Edward's fumble, the sophomore will prove those people wrong who say Michigan doesn't have a superstar receiver.

"Braylon Edwards is a go-to-guy," Carr said. "He has as much potential as any kid we've had in a long time."

Carr often compares Edwards playmaking ability to former Wolverine and now Chicago Bears wide receiver David Terrell, who was at Saturday's game. Edwards made his best Terrell impersonation by jumping up and grabbing a 45-yard bomb from Navarre to give Michigan a 14-0 lead in the second quarter - his first career touchdown.

"There will be more to come," said Edwards.

Lambeau Leap?: Joppru made his first declaration as captain a popular one with Michigan fans on Saturday. With his Wolverines celebrating at midfield after the dramatic victory, Joppru pointed to the end zone and said "Students! Let's do this." Several Michigan players ran to the student section and leaped into the stands - a tradition made famous by the Green Bay Packers at their home, Lambeau Field.

"That's the kind of stuff when you were little you watch TV, you can't wait to do that when you get to college," said safety Charles Drake. "Honestly, when I first came out for warm ups, that student section has been as crowded as it's been since I got here. They were just getting guys hyped, excited.