On Monday night, No. 2 Washington will take on No. 1 Michigan in the program’s first-ever national championship game. Two years ago, the Huskies were 4-8 and missed a bowl game, but since hiring coach Kalen DeBoer, they have become unbeatable. Under DeBoer’s direction, Washington is 25-2, including a perfect 14-0 in 2023. Nevertheless, Vegas has the Huskies as 4.5-point underdogs going into the game.
The Huskies didn’t start the season ranked in the AP top 10, but they made it to the championship game despite facing one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. After defeating No. 3 Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl, Washington now has three victories over top-10 teams. DeBoer’s accomplishments garnered him multiple national coaching accolades. But Michigan poses a different kind of difficulty.
There is a stylistic collision between Washington and Michigan unlike any in recent memory. The Huskies spread defences and produce exciting plays with their aerial assault. Michigan grinds out opponents with aggressive run game and physicality. These five factors could decide if the Huskies win the biggest prise in sports history.
Nevertheless, Michigan’s rushing attack is a distinct species. Despite playing 14 games, the Wolverines only managed 56 long running plays this year, which is good enough for No. 82 in the nation. Rather, Michigan wants to use a physical offensive line and All-American Blake Corum to simply pound opponents.
Washington is good with physicality, but it needs to generate stops and return the ball to its offensive end. The Huskies may try to adopt TCU’s strategy from their playoff matchup with Michigan the previous year and attack with linebackers and safeties from unusual positions. Things went wrong for the Wolverines.
After being sidelined for extended periods due to injury, McMillan’s return is arguably the most underappreciated feature. From the slot, McMillan is a game-changer who is particularly good at turning in mid-range attempts. It’s an abundance of wealth that may make the brain of the opposition defensive coordinator spin.
Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback for Washington, is recognising and completing accurate passes at an incredible rate. Against Michigan, Alabama seldom attempted to go downfield, but when it did, it was somewhat successful. Penix can alter the game’s geometry by making a deep pass early on.
Michigan used to be a squad that was primarily designed to run the ball. The Wolverines have advanced significantly since Sherrone Moore was appointed offensive line coach and coordinator in 2021. Alabama has no idea how to answer Michigan’s use of misdirection and window dressing to deceive opposition defences.
