No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington

Monday, January 8
4:30 pm PT, ESPN

 

As a WSU grad, I’m itching to moan about how it hurts my heart to see the Huskies play for a CFP Championship, but I’m supposed to be a pro, so I’ll skip that part.

This game has “awesome” written all over it: Both Washington and Michigan are well-coached and undefeated with impressive resumes.

Michigan’s list of wins looks a little better—at least on paper—having beaten the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, and Alabama. If you ask the East Coast media, that’s everyone that matters.

The Huskies have beaten Arizona, Oregon State, Oregon (twice), and Texas. Granted, the Wildcats and Beavers aren’t exactly big football names, but I’m pretty sure they would have hung with anyone in the Big Ten this season.

To be honest, the Huskies haven’t looked the best at times, particularly against Arizona State and my Cougs. But with Michael Penix Jr. slinging it, they have risen to every challenge.

Washington has a dominant offense around him, including the nation’s best O-line and three future NFL receivers. Penix Jr. makes it all go, underscoring why he’s probably the biggest Heisman snub of all time.

The Husky QB’s best target is Rome Odunze, and if that connection gets going early, Blue could be in trouble. Coaches will tell you there’s no defense for a perfect pass to a sure-handed receiver, and these guys prove it.

The duo is complemented by wideouts Jalen McMillan and Ja’lynn Polk, but really, any of those three receivers could emerge as a star at any point in the game.

Rounding out the Husky offense is Dillon Johnson. He’s a strong runner and he’s tough to tackle, but his injuries (compounded by recent aggravations) are worrisome.

The Wolverines have their share of playmakers as well, led by sensational running back Blake Corum, who has rushed for 1,111 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Corum is complemented by savvy Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has thrown for 2,851 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. He isn’t as flashy as Penix Jr., but he gets the job done.

The Huskies scoring defense, ranked 54th in the nation, is typically underrated by pundits. But they have talent at every position, which should allow them to hang around—much like they have in every other game this season.

This Washington team has never trailed by more than seven points in a game.

But the Wolverines, who boast the nation’s best scoring defense, can say the same. They’ve also allowed just 10.2 points per game, and have kept all of their opponents under 400 yards of total offense.

So what happens when the cleats hit the field tonight?

As much as my Coug-alum soul doesn’t want to admit it, the little kid in me who grew up cheering for Washington still wants the Dawgs to win.

Luckily for me and everyone else who appreciates the Dawgs, they will.

Huskies by one. 

Washington 42, Michigan 41