College football 2023 🏈

[Luanne]

I was at the Rose Bowl too. From Michigan, cheering for Bama. It was an interesting flight out there last week, lol.

Seats were technically in the Michigan section, but just around from the Million Dollar Band and we could hear them well and could not hear the Michigan band at all. My son’s in the MDB, so it was perfect for me!

I was hoping for a different outcome, but we enjoyed being there and had great experiences with all the fans. I heard of a couple bad encounters on both sides, but mostly I heard how great everyone was to each other I really liked hearing that.

And since I do live in Michigan, I’ll now say Go Blue for Monday.

[sushiritto]

@Knowsstuff

Then go against the corners we have.

And that’s one of the many keys to the game.

Michigan has a very good starting backfield with a future 1st round NFL draft pick, Will Johnson, plus Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore and Makari Paige. And their reserves with Keon Sabb, Amorion Walker, etc. are good too.

Are they better than the Texas DB’s? Are they better than Oregon’s DB’s? We’ll find out more on Monday evening.

@Knowsstuff

Michigan made “Lots” of self inflicted errors last week that are so out of character for their team and still found a way to win.

All four teams had about a month off, including the holidays. So some of the mistakes probably can be blamed on the long layoff.

[bluedog23]

I am sure he was encouraged to go. Too many errors all season.

[sushiritto]

From the Athletic today, by Bruce Feldman and David Ubben:

“This is probably the first time I’ve ever been fired up for a national championship game,” said one coordinator who faced Washington earlier this year. “I’m so fascinated with this game because they’re like two polar opposites going against each other.”

Michigan’s bruising play along the lines and run-heavy offensive style will square off with Washington’s high-flying, pass-first attack at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday night. The Athletic spoke with 10 head coaches, coordinators and assistants who have faced either Michigan or Washington this season to gauge their thoughts on the matchup, granting them anonymity to discuss both teams candidly.

No coaches leaned toward Michigan or Washington winning big, but a majority picked Washington to win as an underdog. One coach was shocked to learn Michigan was a four-point favorite. But another assistant said Michigan may be the better team in all aspects.

“It’s hard to go against Michigan, but I just think Washington is more battle-tested, and they find a way to do it one more time,” said one head coach.

[bluedog23]

I think Washington’s QB is going to be the difference maker. As long as the O line does their job.

[sushiritto]

The article interestingly enough discusses essentially what I mentioned above.

1. Michigan’s D is better than the Texas D, mainly due to the Michigan DB’s being better than Texas.

2. Washington ranks 86th in the FBS in yards per carry allowed. Texas ran 28 times for 180 yards, but fumbled twice. Michigan will run the ball like no one else Washington has faced this year, as long as they don’t get too far down in the score.

Michigan ran the ball 30 times for 130 yards against Bama, but coming from behind in the 4th Quarter they had to throw the ball more than usual.

3. Confuse Penix with disguising coverages, which ASU did to Washington earlier in the season, in a 15-7 win. Jesse Minter, the Michigan DC, comes from the Baltimore Ravens and he knows how to disguise coverages.

4. One assistant pointed to Michigan’s third-down packages with three tight ends as a place the offense has thrived this year. The Wolverines could continue to do so against the Huskies’ defense by bringing the beef.

Michigan loves throwing the ball to Colston Loveland, AJ Barner (transfer from Indiana), etc. Loveland will be a high NFL draft pick after next season.

Again, I hope all week long, commentators and analysts keep pointing to Penix as the difference maker. That should be great “bulletin board” material for Michigan.

[sushiritto]

One more thing I’ll add.

While Michigan hasn’t faced a similiarly dynamic offense as Washington’s this season, Michigan did face an Ohio State team last season with 2022 NFL 1st round picks of QB CJ Stroud, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Chris Olave and WR Garrett Wilson.

An OSU team that scored 41 and lost to Georgia (42-41) in the Semifinals.

[deb922]

I think Ohio State lost in the semis. Strong showing for OSU.

Georgia eviscerated TCU in the finals.

And Michigan beat OSU at home during the regular season.

[sushiritto]

@deb922

I think Ohio State lost in the semis.

My mistake. Corrected above.

[prezbucky]

Even an elite DB crew can only cover for so long – and Wash’s WRs are good route-runners.

They must pressure Penix.

[sushiritto]

Complimentary football.

I’m assuming or maybe hoping Michigan’s DL will be able to harass, and hopefully sack, Penix, a lot, because both the DB/LB coverage and also because of their top notch D-line.

[Knowsstuff]

I am so hyped for this game.

[Marilyn]

I put this in the photo thread but I guess it belongs here too.

Programs are 54 years apart.

[Knowsstuff]

I hope they come to play.

https://clutchpoints.com/michigan-football-news-x-factor-vs-washington-and-its-not-jj-mccarthy-or-blake-corum

[Nrdsb4]

I don’t really care who wins, but I just hope it is an exciting game. No 10-3s or 9-6s or some nonsense.

[prezbucky]

Should we do predictions? Well all right then:

Michigan 31
Washington 27

The Wolverines win their 12th title.

[OhiBro]

Michigan 38
Washington 14

[Youdon_tsay]

Washington 38
Michigan 34

[Knowsstuff]

Let’s Go!!!

Go Blue!!

[BunsenBurner]

A tornado watch for the Houston area?!!

Plus 50 mph winds here near Seattle so fans watching the game on TV might lose power?!