Wolverines vs Huskies for CFP Title Game
No. 1 Michigan (14-0) vs. No. 2 Washington (14-0)
CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T
Monday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET – NRG Stadium, Houston
Network – ESPN
Preview – Frank Coyle
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, Washington
National Title Matchup
The #1 Wolverines (14-0) will face the #2 Huskies (14-0) in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston. This year’s semi-final matchups were the best in CFP history. Big Ten champion Michigan won a thrilling overtime first game over the SEC champ, Alabama 27-20 while Washington edged Texas 37-31, setting up the title game of unbeatens. Both Michigan and Washington will be making their first appearance in the BCS title game. This championship game will be the last in a four-team playoff before the field expands to 12 in 2024.
This title game features one of the nation’s top defenses in Michigan vs the high-powered Washington offense. Both clubs are directed by talented QBs in JJ McCarthy of Michigan and Michael Penix of Washington. McCarthy is a savvy leader who has led this balanced attack through a somewhat soft Big Ten schedule. They came up big late vs Ohio State and Iowa to claim the conference title before the OT victory vs Alabama in the semi-finals. He was highly proficient with 22 TD passes and only 4 picks. Runners, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards gives the Wolerines a strong Thundering and Lightning combination. Wideout Roman Wilson made big clutch plays with 12 TDs. The line was an anchor. The Michigan defense ranked with any unit in the nation with a veteran unit and well versed in both run and pass defense and allowed only 9 points per game.
The Washington high powered offense is directed strong armed Michael Penix who led the nation in passing yardage. He throws laser passes and is especially effective in the deep game, utilizing his three NFL caliber receivers, Rome Ozunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan. Huskie offense averaged over 39 points per game with Penix throwing for over 4600 yards. Runner Dillon Johnson is a battering ram who scored 16 rushing TDs.
The Huskie defense relies on edge defenders, Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui. This unit has allowed too many big plays, though has made many impact plays to counter. Corner Jabbar Muhammad is a developed cover man with keen instincts and probably matches up vs Roman Wilson.
Both clubs have responded to difficult situations with Michigan facing an early suspension to HC Jim Harbaugh and staying focused on their tough late schedule. Washington faced the acid test with two classic matchups with Oregon and won both in high scoring affairs behind Penix.
This title matchup is a scout’s dream with as many as 20-25 draft prospects on both clubs if the underclassmen declare. Michigan edges out a close win over Washington in the expected finale for HC Jim Harbaugh.
