Ahhh…here we are…down to the final game of your 2023-24 NCAA college football season. All bets lead us to Houston, Texas, where a national champion will be crowned. NRG Stadium will host Michigan and Washington. Both teams won their semi-final games in exciting fashion to earn their spot in the winner take all national title game. How did we arrive in Houston with Michigan and Washington? Have a seat in a booth and allow me to explain.
Michigan Wolverines: A season of unknown came with adversity and controversy midseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for allegedly sign stealing, which was punishment for a staffer’s involvement. The Wolverines battled back and finished with an undefeated season and conference championship. In their semi-final game against Alabama, the Wolverines defensive line accounted for five sacks against Jalen Milroe from the opening drive. Michigan made the Rose Bowl one to remember. J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum were able to lead a game tying drive to force overtime. Michigan held up in the redzone against Alabama and savored a Rose Bowl victory. Despite their special teams’ miscues, Michigan didn’t flinch. It’s these types of games teams must grind out and win in the trenches. Michigan can travel well on any field. In the national title game, they’ll see a familiar face in Washington. Former Indiana University quarterback Michael Penix Jr was on the opposite side when IU beat Michigan back in 2020. If this is head coach Jim Harbaugh’s last dance in Ann Arbor with plenty of NFL teams drawing interest for coaching vacancies, Michigan has a lot to play for and deliver a national championship since 1997.
Washington Huskies: Dominance resonates with the Huskies as they won the outright Pac-12 Conference and earned their spot in the semi-final. Led by Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr, a high octane Huskies offense was on full display against Texas. Washington played with no fear or hesitation on the brightest stage. The “Terror Dome” didn’t faze the young pups or scare them. Poise, control, and pace wrote the game. Running up and down the field against one of the better defenses in the Big-12, Washington proved they belonged in the semi-final and among the best teams left. The Sugar Bowl was everything fans expected and Washington’s defense stood tall on a late rally by Texas. In the end, Washington will face a daunting task of keeping Penix Jr upright against a great Wolverines defensive line. They passed the first test in a foot race against Texas. Michigan is a stronger, more physical team who’s played tougher competition. The young pups will have to lick their wounds early and keep chomping to have a chance in the end. Washington will look to win their third national championship overall since 1991.
This is a sneak preview of what’s ahead for the Big-10; as Washington will be baptized early by the Wolverines. In all honesty, I expect this game to be an instant classic. As the final game concludes Monday night in Houston, Texas; I must pick a winner for your 2024 NCAA College Football National Championship…
Michigan 34 Washington 20
Stai tuned…
