From: GrayMoorePhotography
Oh boy, here we go again. This did not end well last year. I chose TCU to win a close one, and it was anything but that. Georgia dismantled TCU, 65-7. But 2024 is a new year, and hopefully one where I predict the correct national champion. In my last article, I wrote about Washington's mental fortitude and determination. Michigan has been led to the title through the belief in their system and one another. Something's gotta give Monday night, and I'm here to break down both sides for you.
From: Kyusung Gong (AP)
The Case for Michigan
The Wolverines come into the title game 14-0. They have stepped up to the plate in every game they've played. Michigan handled Ohio State. They dismantled Iowa in the Big Ten Title Game. Then, they went to Pasadena and beat the greatest coach in CFB history, Nick Saban.
So how have they done it? Physicality. This Wolverine squad is meant to beat you down and wear you out. It starts in the trenches, as Michigan has boasted one of the top O-Lines in the country year in and year out under Jim Harbaugh. That dominant line creates holes for Blake Corum. Corum has been ultra-productive for the Wolverines in his two years as the starting back. He has rushed for 1100+ yards in back to back seasons for Michigan. In the biggest game of his career, he gave Alabama 118 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
Defensively, they are built the same way. The defensive line sets the tone for Michigan. In their CFP Semifinal against Alabama, the D-Line won them the game. Jalen Milroe was forced to dink and dunk his way down the field. Bama could not push the ball downfield, and were taken out of their offensive flow quite early. Yet, the defensive line is not the only elite group on Michigan's defense. UM's secondary boasts two likely All-Americans: Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil. Rod Moore is another playmaker that cleans up mistakes on the back-end for the defense.
A Michigan win looks like this: the defensive line gets to Penix, McCarthy is not asked to do much, and Corum dominates between the tackles while the Wolverines cruise to victory.
From: NCAA.com
The Case for Washington
I could talk forever about this Washington team. But if you want to read more after this article, you can click here for my previous article about UW. Let's jump into it anyway.
All year long, the Huskies have been doubted, and then doubted, and then doubted again. In the face of adversity, Washington always finds a way to come out victorious. They beat Oregon twice. They beat Texas in pseudo-road game in NOLA. And now, they have a date with Michigan for the national title.
You cannot talk about Washington without mentioning their ridiculous offense. Michael Penix Jr. has been the best QB in the country. He throws downfield at will. Penix is a fantastic deep-ball thrower, and he has trust in his receivers to come down with any 50-50 ball. Part of that trust comes from the fact that all three starting WR's would start on any team in the country. Rome Odunze has put together back to back 1k yard seasons. Jalen McMillan is the best slot receiver in the country. But it is Ja'lynn Polk who will be the difference maker tonight.
They have been able to create balance in the offense with the emergence of Dillon Johnson. Throughout the back half of the season, Johnson has been a force on the ground. In his last five games, Johnson has gone over 80 yards rushing four times. In their semi-final game, he punched in two scores. Although he got hurt in that game, all signs point towards him playing tonight.
While the offense is what everyone sees with Washington, their defense has come up with key stops. Bralen Trice is a game-wrecker off the edge. If he can get in the backfield, it bodes well for the Huskies. Washington must get pressure on McCarthy when he drops back to pass.
A Washington win looks like this: the Huskies come out hot, Dillon Johnson is effective in the run game, and Ja'lynn Polk dominates his matchup against Michigan's worst starting corner.
Final Prediction
I took the Cinderella story last year. It did not work out well. Will this year be different? Yes. Give me the underdog Huskies in a shootout. While Rome Odunze eats, the emergence of Ja'lynn Polk puts Washington over the top for their third national championship.
Washington 34, Michigan 31