3 keys for Michigan football vs. Washington in College Football National Championship

We are a weekend away from watching Michigan football play in the College Football National Championship Game. Monday can't get here soon enough.

The Wolverines landed in Houston on Friday as they make their final preparations for their showdown with No. 2 Washington for all the marbles. Michael Penix Jr. and the 14-0 Huskies aren't going to be a pushover. This isn't a coronation. Michigan football has to be at its best.

Everything has led up to this moment. This Michigan football team has the chance to cement itself as the best ever in the 144-year history of the program and here are three keys to Michigan making that happen on Monday night.

Run, Blake, Run

The running game is going to be a huge key for the Wolverines. They have rushed for over 100 yards against every team this season except Iowa. And as we saw last week, J.J. McCarthy is healthy enough to be used in the running game.

Michigan's offensive line is also healthy. Drake Nugent looked spectacular. So did Karsen Barnhart and Trente Jones who didn't allow a sack or pressure on Monday night against Alabama's vaunted pass rush.

The offensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage again because if Blake Corum runs for 100 yards and scores a touchdown, I don't see Michigan football losing this game.

Michigan is 31-0 when Corum does score a rushing touchdown, plus if he's able to get 100 yards, it will mean that Michigan is controlling the tempo.

If Corum gets 25-30 carries, it means that Michigan is running well enough to win the game and against a Washington team that allows 4.4 yards per attempt, this running game should have a good night.