Washington vs. Michigan
This year's College Football National Championship game is an intriguing matchup for several reasons. First, each team has an undefeated record. This is also a clash of significantly contrasting styles. Michigan plays old-school, physical football. On average, they run the ball 38 times per game and pass 24 times. They have two talented running backs in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards and a solid, experienced offensive line. Washington, meanwhile, throws 37 times per game and runs 28 times. The key to their offense is 6th year senior QB Michael Penix, Jr. (who beat Michigan in 2020 while he was with Indiana) and three great receivers: Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja'Lynn Polk. Michigan advanced to the final after a gutsy 27-20 overtime win over Alabama. Corum sparked the effort with 83 yards and a touchdown. Washington beat Texas 37-31 in the semis and Penix accounted for an incredible 461 yards of total offense with 2 touchdowns. Texas failed to sack him a single time. This will be the first time since 2014-15 that we will see a national championship game without an SEC team, which is a welcome change for most fans.
Prediction:
Michigan -4.5
My concern with Washington is on the defensive side of the football. If Michigan stays patient, commits to the run, and uses it effectively to set up play action passes, I think they cruise to a double digit victory. I do not think the Washington defense has the size or physically to match Michigan in the run game. They are 86th in FBS in yards allowed for a reason. On the other side, I think Michigan will find a way to get pressure on Penix and make him as uncomfortable as possible. Washington is probably going to pass 60 to 70 percent of the time, so it's going to be crucial for the Wolverines' pass rush to win their matchups. If Washington establishes a lead, I question their ability to put the game away with clock management. They've had many issues with this lately and the health concerns with their starting RB Dillon Johnson exacerbate the problem.
I predict a 34-24 victory for Michigan in this game. I think they will establish an early lead. JJ McCarthy will complete some play action passes when the Washington safeties start to cheat up expecting run after run. and take care of the football. The Wolverines' experience on this stage will continue to benefit them, and they can continue to say they stayed tough all year long and won despite a season full of adversity.
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