The College Football Playoff is down to two teams as the National Championship Game in Houston is set. The Michigan Wolverines will battle the Washington Huskies.
In the Rose Bowl, Michigan defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 27-20 in overtime. Over in the Sugar Bowl, Washington defeated the Texas Longhorns by a score of 37-31. Both games were absolutely outstanding in the final year of the four-team playoff system.
The two best teams ranked by the College Football Playoff Committee will meet with so much on the line. Michigan is looking for the first National Championship since 1997. But it will be their first solo National Title as in 1997; it was split with Nebraska. Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies are looking for their first National Championship since 1991.
The Huskies have won two National Championships. One was in 1960, and as previously mentioned, the other came in 1991. However, both teams are looking for their first of this current format in College Football. It will be interesting to see what happens as these two teams will play next year when Washington joins the Big Ten.
It’s too bad this game wasn’t being played at the Rose Bowl to have one more Pac-12 versus Big Ten Matchup in an iconic setting.
Time to dive into the College Football Playoff National Championship
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College Football Playoff National Championship
(1) Michigan Wolverines vs (2) Washington Huskies
How great would it be for the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to host the National Championship for one last time for a good ole Big Ten and Pac-12 matchup? Unfortunately, that will not be the case, as the game will be played in Houston.
It is a battle of strength between these two teams. Washington will be led by Michael Penix Jr, Rome Odunze, Ja’lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan. They will be going up against that Wolverine defense. We saw what that defense did to Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl. Michigan piled up six sacks. The problem is that Penix Jr. has only been sacked 11 times this season. The Huskies’ offensive line is so much better than Alabama’s offensive line. Again, a lot will ride on the status of Dillon Johnson and if he will play in the game after being injured in the Sugar Bowl.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s defense is led by Braiden McGregor, who has 4.5 sacks, Jaylen Harrell, 6.5 sacks, and Josiah Stewart, with 5.5 sacks. Don’t count out Mason Graham on the defensive line, who can cause chaos. He stopped Jace McClellan on a big play in overtime. Again, that defense will be tested with those wide receivers. Not to mention, Michael Penix Jr can get the ball out of his hand so quickly, as we saw in the game against Texas.
Washington’s defense may not be the best, but they still have 16 interceptions and six forced fumbles, leading to four fumble recoveries. So you can’t underestimate that squad because they can change a game. J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and Roman Wilson will be put to the test to match the offense of Washington. The key will be can they do it. It will be tough, as we saw with the Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl.
However, Washington cannot get cute if they have a lead, as we saw against Texas. That almost cost them. But their defense came up when it mattered most. It could be a special teams battle. We saw what happened to Michigan against Alabama. That part of the game almost cost them.
Again the National Championship will come down to turnovers and who makes the least amount of mistakes.
Both teams have that feel around them. Michigan playing the Wolverines vs the World, while Washington has that team of destiny surrounding them. This should be a good one.
The College Football National Championship Goes on Monday Night, January 8th.