Time: 7:30
Weather: Indoors
TV: ESPN (Fowler and Herbstreit)
Line: Michigan -4.5
Hard to believe we are here. Michigan will be trying to win its first National Championship since 1997. That was the year of Brian Griese and Charles Woodson, with a no name QB by the name of Tom Brady on the bench. That year Michigan won the Rose Bowl to secure a piece of the National Championship. Michigan was 12-0 that year and this will be your 15th game of the season.
Michigan will face a familiar foe in soon to be Big Ten opponent the Washington Huskies. Michigan played UW in 2021 (won 31-10) when the Huskies offense was struggling and Michael Penix was at Indiana. A 2020 match-up between the two in Seattle was cancelled due to Covid as the Wolverines will take the long trip west next October.
This Washington team has the #1 offense in the college football. Penix is an NFL QB and he uses all his WR weapons. Michigan's #1 total defense is used to these type of offenses and sees them every year from that team in Columbus. Penix used to be a runner but now prefers to stay in the pocket and deliver dimes. Washington only really struggled in one game this year and that was against Arizona State, where a late Pick 6 won them the game. When I started to think about this post, I researched if UW had seen any top defenses this year. I was surprised to learn Oregon has a top 10 defense and Utah is 12th. This Washington team has been playing close games since late October. Which included 2 point win over Oregon State, 3 point win over WSU, 3 point win over the Ducks in the PAC 12 Championship, and a 6 point win over Texas last Monday.
Michigan will try to show Penix a ton of different looks to confuse the talented QB. This should be an NFL quality football game on both sides of the ball.
Dear Jimmy,
This is what all Michigan fans wanted when you got the Michigan job. Yes, it took a minute but the journey was worth it to be playing in this game. Similar to when you coached in the NFL, the job is not reaching the Super Bowl, its winning it. Michigan played tough football on Monday and won the Rose Bowl, something you have probably dreamed about since you were a kid.
Monday night is going to be special and different. It's still just a football game and I expect your team will be rested and ready to play. Yes, there were a few unique challenges in the Rose Bowl which I'm sure you and your team has been working on all week. This is really Game 2 of the Championship Season and hopefully your team will play much cleaner.
Jesse Minter I'm sure has had his hands full this week. Michigan will have to pressure Penix, while the CB and Safeties need to keep the UW WR's in front of them. We need some real Ravens defense magic shit here to confuse Penix and give him looks he has never seen.
On offense Michigan needs to be aggressive but remove the trick plays. Get JJ comfortable early and let him go. Like I said last week, we don't need good JJ, we need great JJ. Keep him in the game, feed Corum, get Edwards out on some screens, hit Roman and CoJo, and let the TE's move the chains! Semaji is going to be a star at Michigan but I get very nervous when Sherrone or Jay gives him a ton of responsibilities.
This game comes down to defense and stopping Washington's high powered offense. We are going to need a special effort from Will Johnson, Mikey, and Rod Moore. I also thought Josh Wallace played his best game of the year in the Rose Bowl. He will need a similar and probably even a better effort on Monday night.
Not much more needs to be said, this is it. The summit is in view and Michigan has a chance to reach it. Play great defense, score touchdowns, play clean but more importantly play Michigan Football. Go get that fucking icing!
Washington 31 Michigan 28
20 comments:
This is a really good summary, and I'm worried about the match up. I was worried a week ago, and more worried today. I think the way to win this is to keep Wash's offense off the field. Run the ball, long drives, short passes... time of possession. A shoot out, and Wash has the big advantage.
I'm hopeful we can win, and I truly believe in our boys in blue, but this game does give me some serious concerns.
BHB, nice wrap up with the exception of your final score prediction. I believe in Big Blue and expect the 'W' Monday night. Thanks for the season and Go Blue!
Pressure on Penix ... JJ & Corum shine ... Michigan 34 Washington 24
Remember Texas had the 96th pass defense in the nation.. and they also shot themselves in the foot with turnovers.. this is a very good Washington offense but I think Michigan can pull it out have to run the ball and score some points
For a guy who loves GO BLUE you always have them losing.Will be last time reading blog.GO BLUE 31-17! Also Penix doesnt finish game.
This game I'm more concerned than I was with Bama. The match-up it a tough one. First score that popped into my head is 34-23 michigan. We may give up some yards but the key will be keeping them out of the endzone. Go Blue!
It's mid January, and Michigan is still playing football. What a wonderful world!
Is the score thing jinx prevention?
goblue (small “g”), think best for you to stop reading if seeing a post you don’t 100% agree with triggers you. People here give honest assessments and debate. Not being mean, but safe to assume you’re like 25-30yo?
Victor… if it is a jinx thing, don’t think that will be revealed. And if it is, been working so let’s not worry. I agree with Bob that this is going to be a hard game to win. His prediction wouldn’t surprise me. Wash is a pro Offense.
Michigan wins 31-21.
Go Blue
Goblue good assessment all around. As far aa a jinx there are certain things I don't mess with game week. I've been anxious as a cat all week and tonight it peaks. Been a hell of a season all around. One for the books. If we can't keep Penix moving we're in trouble. If he has time the secondary will have all its hands full. Their receiving corp is much like 2021 OSU. Haven't heard if their rb is a go but he's been hurt most of the season so don't count him out, but he's their only run threat. Play our game, not theirs, play smart, their going to hit some so don't get flustered, leave it all out there, enjoy the experience and we'll have a good tomorrow. Proud of team 144... Go Blue!
Offensively, possess the ball. Don't force things. This Washington team doesn't stop you unless you stop yourself. Don't force things JJ, let the game come to you. I'd be shocked if Corum and maybe Edwards too don't have big games. I think the UofM running game and OL will wear down the Huskies. Keep the ball away from Penix by keeping him on the sidelines.
Defensively, more of the same. When Penix does get the ball, make him drive the ball. No big plays and quick scores. Secondary needs to tackle well! Penix is at his best when he can score quickly 5 play drives. He's not a patient QB and Washington does take a lot of penalties. Just like I said the Michigan offense doesn't stop itself, let Washington stop themselves. Don't give them anything easy! If they can put together 9 or 10 play drives, then tip your hat to them.
Why do you always pick Michigan to lose?
Mike:
probably weary of a jinx. If he's picked against the Wolverines and they won every time doesn't want to change now. I never believed as a spectator that I could ever effect the outcome of a game, but to each their own!
We need plenty of play action, and hit Roman Wilson on the deep ball. Smash Penix and keep him on his back. GO BLUE! UM-38, WASH-24. LETS WIN THE NATTY!!!
I want to win this so badly for this team. I've been on edge since the Bama game. Win or lose it's been one hell of a season, one to remember, and it all culminates IN ONE HOUR! Get ready for the ride. GO BLUE!!!
Champions of the West. Go Blue!!!
HAIL to the Victors baby!
Whomp!! There it is!!! NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Thank you all my friends and fellow Michigan fans here in the Bighouse blog!!
National championship is ours 🏆
Post a Comment