Washington Huskies can beat Michigan in the CFP National Championship
The last time the Huskies faced Michigan, they were quite literally run over in a 21-point loss. Jimmy Lake led the team, guiding Dylan Morris at quarterback and Richard Newton at running back. Star receivers Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja'Lynn Polk were part of the team but saw limited action during that game, if any.
The Huskies' leading receiver against Michigan was Terrell Bynum with five receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown.
That was two years ago and Washington is a far stronger team than they were then.
Washington Huskies can beat Michigan in the National Championship
Currently, the Huskies are 4.5-point underdogs against Michigan for the National Championship game. This wouldn't be the first time the Huskies are looked at as underdogs this season. They've been ranked as such several times and have come out on top each time.
A large social media consensus consistently takes Michigan in the National Championship but I think they forget that Washington is nowhere near the kind of team that they were two years ago. I think the two teams are more evenly matched than most think.
Avg. points per game: Huskies 37.64 | Michigan 36.
Avg. rush yards per game: Huskies 123.6 | Michigan 159.5.
Avg. pass yards per game: Huskies 350 | Michigan 218.93.
Avg. yards per play: Huskies 7.3 | Michigan 6.1.
Total interceptions: Tied with 16.
The Huskies have a better passing game and running game than they did in 2021 and Michael Penix Jr. is easily the best quarterback in the nation despite coming in second for the Heisman. Washington also has the best offensive line in the country which will be a fun test for Michigan's pass rush.
As for Washington's run game, it will depend on whether Dillon Johnson is healthy or not as he went down with an injury late against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. If he is healthy, you can probably guarantee the offense will rush for more than 50 yards.
The biggest threat that the Huskies will need to worry about is the Wolverines' run game. Star running back Blake Corum rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns last time against the Huskies and was complemented by Hassan Haskins who contributed 155 yards and one touchdown. If Washington can limit Michigan's yards on the ground, they could very likely have this game.
The Huskies will shock most with how competitive they will play Michigan. They have remained resilient all season and this matchup will be no different. I expect it to be a one-score game in this electrifying National Championship Showdown.