5 predictions for Michigan football vs. Washington in the CFP National Championship

The defense will get to Penix

I'm not saying that Michigan football is going to sack Michael Penix Jr. six times like it did last week against Alabama. However, I do think the Wolverines get to the standout quarterback, but they do it with more than just pressure.

The key to beating Penix is confusing him. The good news is that Michigan is as good as any defense in college football at mixing up coverages and throwing out different looks. Penix is deadly if he knows what coverage you are in -- so Michigan football needs to confuse him on the back end.

The Wolverines also need to confuse the Washington offensive line. Michigan's defensive line is great at getting pressure. They also excel when it comes to stunts. Michigan will get some pressure and I don't see Washington running the ball well, so that will give Jesse Minter a chance to dial up some things like he did against Ohio State circa 2022.

That game wasn't about stopping C.J. Stroud. It was about forcing a few key stops and that's the same idea for Monday night. Keep Washington to 20-24 points and the Wolverines should win it all.