In one corner, the University of Michigan Wolverines, with one of the best defenses in American college football and eager to win their first national championship since 1997. In the other corner, the University of Michigan Huskies, the University of Washington and their offense to spectacular long games in search of the first national title since 1991. These two opponents face off in the ultimate match of the NCAA, which has many twists and turns on Monday night promises. The forces in attendance highlight some potential stars of tomorrow in the NFL. Here is an overview.
Quarterbacks
The left-hander Michael Penix Jr. impresses with his preference for long passes. Photo Getty Images via AFP
On both the Michigan and Washington sides, both quarterbacks will hear their names called fairly early in the next draft. For the Huskies, Michael Penix Jr. was spectacular this season with 4,648 yards, 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the semifinal against Texas he shone with 430 yards and two touchdowns. His counterpart, JJ McCarthy, has less flashy stats due to the Wolverines' more conservative style of attack (2,851 yards, 22 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), but remains one of the good quarterbacks in the history of the Wolverines program. ADVANTAGE: Washington
The ball carriers
Blake Corum played a crucial role in Michigan's Rose Bowl victory over Texas on January 1st. Photo Getty Images via AFP
Michigan is counting on a star carrier in Blake Corum, even if he has lost his explosiveness since his season-ending knee injury a year ago. With 118 total yards and two touchdowns, he still played a crucial role in the win against Alabama in the semifinals. Washington fared poorly in the race this season, finishing 86th. Corum's tandem with Donovan Edwards can do some damage. Washington hopes its player Dillon Johnson can play despite a foot injury. ADVANTAGE: Michigan
The recipients
Rome Odunze has made a number of spectacular catches this season. Photo Getty Images via AFP
This is where Washington really stands out and where the damage can be done. Rome Odunze will certainly be a first choice and Ja'Lynn Polk will also find a buyer soon. Odunze (17.9 yards per reception) and Polk (17.3 yards per reception) may form the most dangerous tandem on the American college scene. Even Jalen McMillan and tight end Jack Westover can take advantage of the middle of the field. The Wolverines rely on wide end Roman Wilson and effective tight end Colston Loveland, but the power isn't the same. ADVANTAGE: Washington
On the fronts
Kris Jenkins is one of the disruptive players at the heart of the Wolverines' defensive line. Photo Getty Images via AFP
We're talking about two exceptional offensive lines here. The one in Washington was named “best in the country.” Blocker Troy Fautanu has been a rock and the line has only allowed 11 sacks. The Wolverines' offensive line excels, especially in the ground game, by generating long offensive sequences designed to keep Michael Penix and his arsenal away from the game. Defensively, the two players to watch are defensive end Bralen Trice on Washington's side and tackle Kris Jenkins on Michigan's side. Both show great NFL potential, but the depth of Michigan's defensive line makes the difference. ADVANTAGE: Michigan
The tertiary
Rod Moore will remain vigilant to prevent long plays from Washington receivers. Photo Getty Images via AFP
That's probably the key in this duel. Michigan was second against the pass. One small downside, however, is that the defense only faced two teams in the offensive top 20 in terms of pass gains. However, she responded very well in those two tests against Ohio State (271 passing yards) and Alabama (116 passing yards). Safety Rod Moore and multi-position cornerback Mike Sainristil will have their hands full against Washington's productive receivers. Will Johnson is also an excellent cornerback but will not be considered for the next draft. On the Washington side, the tertiary sector is the biggest gap. ADVANTAGE: Michigan
FORECAST
Michigan 24 Washington 21