HOUSTON — The Post's Zach Braziler provides commentary on the national championship game between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington at NRG Stadium (Monday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN).
When Michigan has the ball
Michigan wants to run the ball down its throat, but Washington tends to get pushed to the front. Both units played well in key moments during the College Football Playoff semifinals. Michigan's offense woke up just in time to defeat Alabama. Washington's defense stood up strong late in the game against Texas after almost being breached. However, neither is necessarily dominant, and both tend to be contradictory. Look at Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy. He was in a slump until he led a memorable, game-tying, eight-play, 75-yard drive in the final minutes of the Rose Bowl. He started 27 games at Michigan and won 26 of them.
Edge: Michigan
when washington has the ball
If I had to describe this matchup in one word, it would be “fascinating.” It will be a matchup between the University of Michigan's top scoring defense (9.5 points) and the University of Washington's 11th ranked defense (37.6 points). They have the No. 1 passing offense (350.0 yards) and the No. 2 passing defense (150.0 yards). Michigan's electric offense, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. and his elite trio of receivers Rome Odunze, Jalyn Polk, and Washington's elite trio of receivers, He helped the front seven record 39 sacks (tied for 10th in the nation). Jalen McMillan. Michigan held Alabama to the season's second-lowest total points in the Rose Bowl. Washington stormed Texas' 13th-ranked scoring defense in the Sugar Bowl, totaling 532 yards and 37 points.
Edge: even
special teams
Both teams have quality kickers. Michigan's James Turner and Washington State's Grady Gross have missed a combined seven kicks in 39 attempts. It's worth noting that the Wolverines really struggled on special teams against Alabama. Returner Semaj Morgan held down a punt and misread the next one, leaving Michigan with help deep in its own half. Long snapper William Wagner also had poor snaps, leading to a missed extra point.
Edge: Washington
coaching
This will be the first time for both coaches to participate in the national tournament. Michigan's Jim Harbaugh has an incredible edge in experience, having coached in four playoff games, eight NFL playoff games and a Super Bowl with the 49ers, and the big stage is his best. It's obviously nothing new. Washington's Karen DeBoer is only in her fourth year as a Division I head coach. Both players have obviously done a great job, especially DeBoer, who led the Huskies to eight one-possession wins.
Edge: Michigan
Players who could decide the game (other than quarterback)
WR Roma Odunze (Washington)
The junior had 10 100-yard receiving games this season, including five in a row, and has emerged as a top-10 draft pick. He ranks second in the nation with 1,553 yards and can ruin games. Just ask the entire Pac-12.
CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Johnson, a standout sophomore, missed parts of four games with injury while serving as a lockdown cornerback with three interceptions and four passes defended. The All-Big Ten first-team selection will need to be at his best to slow down Odunze and Washington's powerful aerial attack.
Edge Jalen Harrell, Michigan State
One of the keys to the Wolverines' dominant defense, Harrell consistently dominated with a team-high 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, along with two forced fumbles.
prediction
Defense wins championships, and so does balance. Michigan dominates in both categories. The Wolverines controlled the clock, playing from the front throughout and keeping Penix and Co. frustrated on the sideline. As he did against Alabama, McCarthy came into his own late, leading a long drive that lasted until the end of the game and gave Michigan its first national championship since 1997.
Michigan 28, Washington 20
