HOUSTON — No player scored more than 24 points in 14 games against Michigan this season, and only three teams reached the 20-point mark.
Washington scored 37.6 points per game this year and attracted quality defenses like Oregon, Texas and Utah.
The Wolverines' defense held opponents to less than 150 yards, second-best in the nation.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies scored 350 points per game, the most in the nation.
Both teams had their best performances in their respective College Football Playoff games, boasting overwhelming dominance on the field.
Something should give Michigan's top-ranked scoring defense Monday night when it faces Washington's No. 1 passing offense in the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston.
It will be an elite defense against an elite attack.
Future NFL players and future NFL players.
If the University of Michigan wins its first title since 1997 or the University of Washington finishes a great year with a win that no one but its fans have seen, the chances of the dominant team deciding the champion are slim. There is enough.
“That whole defense, they're good. I think they're very well-coached and have a lot of good players, and obviously we are too,” said Penix, who beat Michigan in 2020 while at Indiana. . “For me, I always believe in my guys and believe that no matter who we play, they can get the job done.”
It answers the age-old question of who wins: an explosive offense or a stifling defense.
It's hard to find weaknesses in either Michigan's defense or Washington's offense.
The Wolverines had 39 sacks this season, 10th most in the country.
Ten different players had at least two sacks.
The team scored 25 points despite star cornerback Will Johnson missing four games.
Alabama and Ohio State couldn't solve this defense.
“They're a really good team and they're going to bring some heat,” said Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu, who is likely to be a first-round pick in April. “We have to make sure we’re ready.”
Washington's offense, which won the Joe Moore Award for the nation's best unit, allowed just 11 sacks.
Penix, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, had a standout year, gaining 4,648 yards through the air and scoring 35 touchdowns on 66.7 percent of his passes. Rome has an elite receiver trio in Odunze, Jalin Polk and Jalen McMillan. .
But Huskies aren't one-dimensional.
Dillon Johnson ran for 1,162 yards and scored 16 points.
“They have top-notch skill,” Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “Their entire receiving corps is really, really good. They have draft options at the skill positions and everywhere on the field. [offensive] Whether it's on the line, quarterback or running back. …This is a little more like a competitive game. [an] Elite quarterbacks can get the ball to their guys, aren't afraid to throw in tight windows, and aren't afraid to give their guys a chance one-on-one. We expect the ball to be thrown down the field and we look forward to the challenge of defending it. ”
It's an interesting matchup between two undefeated teams who are not used to this stage.
Michigan hasn't won it all in more than 25 years.
Washington's last title was won in 1991.
Both teams have had to work hard to get to this point, but the Huskies in particular have won eight games by one score.
The Wolverines have been under intense scrutiny since the sign-stealing scandal broke in mid-October, leading to coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for the final three games of the regular season.
They survived without him and rallied past Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
Both teams are now just one win away from glory.
And their biggest strengths, Michigan's thorough defense and Washington's stout offense, will be required to show off one last time.
“Come on Monday,” Penix said. “I think you can see who had the advantage.”
