Welcome to the Battle of the Big Ten…well, not officially for Washington yet, but they move to that conference right after this game. They have one final chance to hoist the trophy for the Pac-12 conference that’s dissipating into the Pac-2. Michigan and Washington meet for the 14th time, but they meet for the fifth time in the postseason. Michigan makes their 19th national championship appearance (11 titles) while Washington makes their sixth national championship appearance (2 titles). They last played each other back in 1991 and Washington was the Coaches’ Poll national champion. Not sure how the whole thing worked back then, but they were. I still have a lot to learn, but this pretty much caps off the four-team playoff era. Funny because the first CFP National Championship started with the Pac-12 team (Oregon) vs. Big Ten team (Michigan). Does it end with the Big Ten team, or does the Pac-12 finally cap off their conference altogether with the championship? Stay tuned!

WASHINGTON’S SUGAR BOWL RECAP

Washington went toe-to-toe with Texas early before controlling the game with turnovers and big plays. Texas fought back, but Washington was resilient once again after holding off Texas in the redzone on a potential game-winning drive. Then again, they were resilient since starting Pac-12 play, but they proved they can matchup with virtually anyone in the country. Michael Penix was electric after throwing for 430 yards with two touchdowns. Dillon Johnson carried 21 times for two touchdowns before going down with a painful lower body injury, but he is questionable for the championship game. Pass catchers Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jack Westover, and Jalen McMillan made big plays, critical plays, and crucial plays to put Penix and the offense in position to score on multiple occasions. When it came down to it, their defense led by Bralen Trice made enough plays to stop Texas in their tracks, including two turnovers and a few big stops in the passing game.

MICHIGAN’S ROSE BOWL RECAP

Michigan knew they must dominate in the trenches and play precise against Alabama. They did for the majority of the game and made Alabama work for every down on every drive. However, special teams were an issue ranging from a couple of muffed punts (one turnover) to a missed extra point, a missed field goal, and some punting issues. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again. Their defense made life difficult for Jalen Milroe until the second half. It turned into a struggle and points became a premium while Alabama made life difficult for Michigan. Nevertheless, Michigan overcame adversity and forced overtime. They knew who the ball went to, and that man was #2 Blake Corum. Corum scored the touchdown to give Michigan every hope to win the game, and their defense ultimately came through with a questionable fourth down call made by Alabama. Michigan fought hard from the beginning and stayed with Alabama the whole way through on another magical Rose Bowl semifinals.

THE MATCHUP

Michigan survived a slugfest against Alabama, but they felt like the best team from start to finish. Then again, they felt that way all season, especially in November and the Big Ten title game. My only issue is their special teams. That must be shored up or they could be in the fight of their lives against Washington’s lethal offense and pass rushing defense.

Washington’s played some of their best and most intense football all season. Their offense proved to be lethal, but their defense is a problem with plenty of pass rushers across the board. Michael Penix will fire at will and make you pay with his dangerous receivers. However, their bell cow back Dillon Johnson is questionable and unsure if he’s healthy enough to play.

Speaking of Johnson’s injury, they never gave the specifics except he’s likely to play. If he does, he won’t be 100%. He’s on crutches and had a week to recover. I can’t trust that he’ll be fine. Michigan’s defense will not respect the run and will do everything to shut him down. To add on, Michigan respects Penix’s game, so their strategy is shutting down the receivers so they can test his skills and force his hand and legs against pass rushers. Expect defensive back Nick Sainristil to pass rush from time-to-time too. I understand JJ McCarthy had an up-and-down game, but he came through and it won’t be only him doing the work. Running backs Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and company will be along to carry the load and test Washington’s defense the entire game. It might be a close one, but Michigan likely outlasts Washington as long as special teams doesn’t cost the Wolverines a championship opportunity. If Johnson was 100%, I would put more trust in Washington.

MY PICK: MICHIGAN