The State of College Football: National Championship Preview

The college football season ends tonight but the offseason has already started. Got caught up on the big game and what's going on this offseason.

College Football Playoff Championship
1 Michigan (-4.5 )vs 2 Washington, 6:30 CT, ESPN
Maybe the committee got it right this time. The National Championship game will be played between the top ranked teams for just the fourth time in the four-team format. The best matchup of the game will be when Washington takes the field on offense against the tough Michigan defense. The Huskies lit up the Longhorns in the semifinals and almost scored at will. At times it felt like Washington wasn’t using their full arsenal against Texas and keeping some up their sleeves for Michigan in the National Championship game. Michigan's defense was equally as impressive in the semifinals, holding Alabama to just 288 total yards and quarterback Jalen Milroe to 116 passing yards. Michigan might not win games in an exciting way but they dominated almost all their opponents this season. In fact, they stopped throwing the ball completely against Penn State and still found a way to win the game. Giving Michigan a week to prepare and watch film will be interesting. Michigan gave up more than 20 points just twice this season! Once when Harbaugh was suspended against Maryland and once against Ohio State. Alabama came close by scoring exactly 20 points in an overtime loss. Washington has one of the top offensive coordinators in football in Ryan Grubb and giving him time to pick apart the Michigan defense could be just as entertaining. Washington scored more than 40 points six times this season. Washington will have its hands full on defense trying to contain the Michigan running attack of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Corum is the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns for Michigan and Edwards is no slouch either. Limiting the ground game will be difficult but Washington does have Bralen Trice who almost single handedly ruined the Texas passing offense. Texas was able to rush for 168 yards against the Huskies and they cannot allow that to happen against Michigan. If Michigan can run the ball effectively the Huskies offense won’t be able to see the field. Washington needs to force Michigan into 3rd and longs, like they did to Texas, and put their high powered offense on the field. Michigan needs to stick to what’s working for them. Run the ball, keep Washington’s offense on the sideline and create turnovers. Sounds pretty simple for both teams!

My prediction: Michigan 27 Washington 24