Championship Game: No. 1 Michigan (14-0, Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Washington (14-0, Pac-12), Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
FanDuel Sportsbook Line: Michigan by 4 1/2
Series record: University of Michigan leads with 8 wins and 5 losses.
what is the problem
Michigan State is playing for its first national championship since 1997 and Washington State is playing for its first national championship since 1991. The Wolverines, who have won nine national titles, advanced to the championship game by defeating the University of Alabama 27-20 in overtime at the Rose Bowl. Washington, which boasts two national championships, advanced by defeating Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl. This game also sets the stage for Washington’s transition from the crumbling Pac-12 to the Big Ten. The Wolverines and Huskies will meet again on October 5th in Seattle for a regular season game.
major matchups
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Michigan defense. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is the nation’s top passer for the second year in a row. The Wolverines’ defense has no weaknesses, allowing an FBS-worst seven touchdown passes and a front seven that can wreak havoc. Penix can make all the throws and will test the secondary with deep throws, as he has done every game with a deep and talented group of receivers. The Huskies’ offensive line, which won the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s best player, has allowed just 11 sacks and will face a pass rush that attacks in creative ways.
Featured players
WASHINGTON: RB Dillon Johnson aggravated a right foot injury late in the Sugar Bowl but vowed to be ready for the game against Michigan. The move to Mississippi State is a bit overshadowed because the Huskies’ passing game is so prolific. He has rushed for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns in the past six games. Just as important, he has been outstanding in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed Penix just one attack and five rushes on 79 pass-blocking snaps.
Michigan State: RB Blake Collum will be front and center as JJ McCarthy’s Wolverines try to dictate the pace of the game and keep the ball away from Penix. Corum is the cornerstone of a rushing game that strives to wear down opponents, averaging 37.5 attempts per game. His rushing totals (79 ypg) don’t jump off the page, but 71 of his 237 carries resulted in first downs and he led the nation with 25 of the Wolverines’ 36 rushing TDs. .
facts and figures
The championship game concludes a successful but eventful season for Michigan. Coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for three separate games, the first for alleged recruiting violations and the second for a scheme in which the Wolverines used on-field scouting and video equipment to steal signs from opposing teams. It was carried out on suspicion that the The NCAA continues to investigate. …Despite the best efforts of reporters to elicit comment, Harbaugh brushed off questions about speculation that he might return to the NFL after the game. … Washington enters with a 21-game winning streak, the longest active record in the FBS. … The Huskies are 25-2 in two seasons under head coach Karen DeBoer, who is 104-11 overall as head coach. Washington is 10-0 against ranked teams led by Coach DeBoer.
