On Jan. 8, the undefeated No. 2 Washington Huskies (14-0) will face the undefeated No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (14-0) in the National Championship game. The Huskies boast a high-powered offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a trio of elite wide receivers. The Wolverines, on the other hand, possess a powerful defense littered with future NFL draft picks. This game is a classic elite offense vs. elite defense matchup that promises to put on a show.
This game also marks the end of the 4-team college football playoff format which will be replaced by a new 12-team format in the 2024-2025 season. Despite boasting undefeated records, both the Huskies and the Wolverines dealt with adversity in their semifinal games.
After trailing 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, quarterback J.J. McCarthy (with a little help from an amazing catch by wide receiver Roman Wilson) led the Wolverines offense to a game-tying drive to force overtime against No. 4 Alabama. In OT, a quick score from running back Blake Corum put the pressure back on the Tide. On 4th and goal, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was stuffed at the line of scrimmage as the Wolverines took home the Rose Bowl.
In the Sugar Bowl, the Huskies were hanging on to a 37-31 lead against No. 3 Texas with less than a minute left. It appeared Longhorns wide receiver AD Mitchell would repeat his heroics from last year’s Peach Bowl (while playing for Georgia) until cornerback Elijah Jackson swatted the pass away. The Huskies and the Wolverines escaped with wins and saved their undefeated records in the New Year’s bowl games. On Jan. 8 however, somebody’s “0” has got to go.
The Wolverines are currently favored by 4.5 points thanks to their aforementioned defense, their solid running game and Jim Harbaugh’s coaching pedigree. The Wolverines are led by a strong secondary featuring talented sophomore Will Johnson and experienced fifth-year Mike Sainristil. They’ll have their hands full against Washington, but they will surely get help from the front seven. Milroe was sacked six times in the Rose Bowl and the Wolverines will need to put Penix Jr. under the same pressure.
On offense, the Wolverines are led by a two-headed rushing attack. Running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are talented enough on their own, but they are complemented by one of the best offensive lines in the country. Even without consensus All-American guard Zak Zinter, Michigan’s running game should pose a huge threat to the Huskies.
If the Huskies hone in on the run game, J.J. McCarthy and Roman Wilson will punish the defense with play-action. In the Sugar Bowl, McCarthy showed the potential to lead an offense in clutch moments, but he is going to have to take better care of the ball. Despite finishing the game with 0 interceptions, McCarthy had many close calls. He had turned it over on the first play until a video review showed that Alabama safety Caleb Downs was out of bounds and was bailed out by Wilson’s tremendous ball skills on a couple of occasions.
It is crucial that McCarthy and the Wolverines are careful with the football because the Washington offense is electric. Michael Penix Jr. leads the best passing offense in the country. Penix Jr. is accompanied by wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillian and Biletnikoff award nominee Rome Odunze. He’ll even have running back Dillon Johnson returning from injury. Johnson will devastate the Wolverines if they are playing too shallow.
Despite being the underdog by 4.5 points, many are confident that Washington will win the championship thanks to their high-flying offense. Washington’s talented receiving corps and Penix Jr.’s left-handedness reminds some of Alabama with Tua Tagovailoa under center. Similar to Penix Jr., Tagovailoa’s ball placement is his biggest strength. With receivers like Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy at his disposal, opposing defenses could never find an answer.
Michigan will need big performances from their star defensive backs, as Penix Jr. is predicted to dissect the Wolverines like a surgeon. The Wolverines keep it close as the Huskies are no stranger to a close game. Let’s say 34-27 Huskies. Offensive MVP will go to Penix Jr. while Washington cornerback Jabbar Muhammad will take home Defensive MVP. Does “defense win championships” or is “the best defense a great offense”? We’ll soon find out.
