Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a National Championship win
By Nick Popio
1. Michigan's defense quieted Washington's high-powered offense
The Huskies were held to 160 yards less than their season average and a season-low 13 points. Michael Penix was intercepted twice and the Washington running game couldn't even break the 50 yard barrier. Penix was an eyelash over 50% on the night, a week after he torched Texas to the tune of 29 of 38 for 430 yards.
Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja'Lynn Polk combined for 15 catches, but only 157 yards. McMillan had the lone touchdown. Odunze was under 100 yards for the first time since November, while Polk had a season-low in yardage. The longest play for the Huskies was a 44 yard pass from Penix to Odunze in the fourth period.
Jesse Minter's unit harassed Penix to the point where he was in pain by the end of the game. He was only sacked once but was in pain by the time the clock expired. A lot has changed since Penix beat Michigan football in 2020. There was no Jesse Minter or Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil was still a wide receiver. Michigan's defense was the difference-maker in this one.