Donovan West, Sports Editor
@DWest_courant
John Frieders, Sports Reporter
@john_frieders
Henry Silva, Sports Reporter
@hsilva2532
On January 8 at 7:30, Michigan and Washington will face off in the College Football National Championship. After a chaotic semi-finals, with both games coming down to the final play, this championship is must-see TV. Michigan enters the game as slight favorites, but Washington’s explosive offense should keep them in the game.
Henry Silva
After taking a blow to the gut by picking Texas over Washington in the semi-final game, I’m looking to bounce back and ride with the Huskies to glory. Washington has an electrifying offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Michigan’s defense will have trouble containing them. Rome Odunze, who has served as Penix Jr’s number one receiver all season, has a 5 game streak of 100 yards and I don’t think it stops on Monday. However, the Wolverines are no pushover. SinceMichigan is the number one team in the country, this is sure to be the game of the year. The Wolverine offense is led by their hard-nosed running back, Blake Corum, and will look to feed him the ball at least 20 times. I have a strong feeling we will see Corum dancing into the endzone at least once this game. Even with the Huskies going in as the underdog, I have them coming out on top.
Score: Washington 30-27.
John Frieders
Although Michigan is engulfed with controversy, the maize and blue have been dominant this season, maintaining their throne as the number one team in the country. Blake Corum has cemented himself as the school’s all-time touchdown leader and added two more touchdowns to his resume in their 27-20 victory over Alabama last weekend. Washington, on the other hand, has a Heisman caliber quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., and a dominant group of wide receivers. The key to this game for Michigan will be whether or not their secondary can contain the high-powered Washington passing offense. Washington’s receiver corps is led by Rome Odunze, who had a stellar 2023 campaign with 87 receptions, 1553 yards alongside 13 touchdowns. In the end, the Wolverines will shut down the Huskies and win the College Football Playoff.
Score: Michigan 27-14
Donovan West
It may be anti-Michigan bias, but after the way Washington played against Texas last weekend, the wrong team is favored. I tend to side with the better quarterback in important games, and Michael Penix Jr. is by far the best quarterback in this matchup. Michigan’s defense is good, but they haven’t played a quarterback as good as Penix this year. Washington’s offense will score at least four touchdowns behind great performances from their stellar receivers and Michael Penix Jr., and their defense will do just enough. Michigan may be able to keep it close behind the relentless Blake Corum, but in the end, Washington will pull off the upset and win the national championship.
Score: Washington 31-28.
