Michigan Football: Wolverines' Biggest Concern in College Football Playoff National Championship

(Photo : Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - J.J. McCarthy (#9) of the Michigan Wolverines warms up before the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California.

The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for a showdown against the Washington Huskies in the upcoming 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, set to take place on Monday, January 8, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Despite having a dominant 2023 season, going unbeaten with a 14-0 win-loss record so far, the program came under the microscope due to allegations of sign stealing, triggering an NCAA investigation. Additionally, head coach Jim Harbaugh missed a significant portion of the season as a punishment for the controversy.

Nonetheless, amid the challenges and controversies surrounding them, the Wolverines remain the favored team to secure the national championship. They have emerged as the consensus betting odds favorite on various platforms.

Having entered this year's College Football Playoff as the top-seeded team, the Wolverines faced a tough battle against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl semifinal on New Year's Day.

Following a hard-fought contest, they emerged victorious with a 27-20 overtime win, securing their spot in the championship game. The Wolverines are now vying to clinch their first national football championship since 1997.

Wolverines' Biggest Concern in College Football Playoff National Championship

Washington's offense led by Michael Penix Jr.

While the Wolverines have been the dominant favorites for the national title throughout the season, their path to victory is not guaranteed, and they face the potential threat of an upset by the Washington Huskies.

The Huskies possess perhaps the best offensive lineup in the country, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the way.

The 23-year-old signal-caller notably finished as the 2023 Heisman Trophy's runner-up, amassing 4,648 passing yards and recording 35 touchdowns for the season. He has only been intercepted nine times and has completed 66.7 percent of his passes.

The 2023 Maxwell Award winner further cemented his reputation as a clutch performer with a standout display in the CFP semifinal matchup on New Year's Day. Against the Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl, he completed 29 of 38 passes, accumulating 430 yards and contributing two touchdowns.

Offense vs Defense

Dominating in the passing game as a team, the Huskies topped the nation with an average of 350 yards per game and ranked eighth in generating first downs, accumulating 328.

Michigan's solid defense must maintain consistency throughout the championship game, and there's evidence to suggest they can do just that.

The Wolverines' defense has been notably effective for most of the year, recording 16 sacks in their recent four games, with ten coming in just their last two matchups.

Throughout the season, they've accumulated 38 sacks for 289 sack yards, placing them 19th nationally in this statistical category.

Their defensive strength was also vividly displayed in the Rose Bowl, limiting Alabama to a season-low 288 yards, further highlighting their capabilities.