NCAAF · 1 year ago

2024 CFP: Analyzing Michigan & Washington Defenses by Position

Sammy Jacobs

Host · Writer

Defensive Backs Edge: Michigan
Michigan was the No. 2 pass defense in the country, while Washington was 123rd in pass yards allowed per game. If Michigan is going to win the game, it’s here. They must stop the deepest secondary they have faced all year and as well as the best passer in the country. Michigan’s Mike Sainristil has five interceptions this year and will likely be against Washington’s top receiving threat.
Who has the edge on defense between Washington and Michingan in the CFP Final
On Monday, the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines square off in the CFP Final. Michigan enters the game with the country's No. 1 ranked scoring defense, while Washington sits at 53. Is the disparity of the rankings that drastic in each position? Here is a breakdown of who has the edge at each position group on defense.
Defensive Line Edge: Michigan
Michigan has a heavy advantage on the defensive line and will be a massive test for the Washington offensive line. Mason Graham and Kris Jenkins are disruptive up the middle, allowing the rest of the defense to swarm and make plays. Washington has not had much production from their true defensive linemen, but Tuli Letuligasenoa is a game-wrecker and has to be accounted for.
Edge Rusher Edge: Slight Michigan
Most of Washington’s pressure on the quarterback comes from the edge rusher position, and the same goes for Michigan. While Michigan’s production is more by committee, Washington has Bralen Trice, who has 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Would you rather try to contain four rushers or one? Michigan’s four leading sack makers are all edge rushers led by Jaylen Harrell.
Linebacker Edge: Slight Washington
Washington gets the slight edge in this category. Edefuan Ulofoshio is a stud making 90 tackles, including eight for a loss. Fellow backers Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala are productive as well. Michigan’s answer to Ulofoshio is Michael Barrett, who only made 60 tackles, but that’s what happens with a playmaking defensive line in front of you. Junior Colson is also a great linebacker who makes plays when needed.
Defensive Backs Edge: Michigan
Michigan was the No. 2 pass defense in the country, while Washington was 123rd in pass yards allowed per game. If Michigan is going to win the game, it’s here. They must stop the deepest secondary they have faced all year and as well as the best passer in the country. Michigan’s Mike Sainristil has five interceptions this year and will likely be against Washington’s top receiving threat.
Who has the edge on defense between Washington and Michingan in the CFP Final
On Monday, the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines square off in the CFP Final. Michigan enters the game with the country's No. 1 ranked scoring defense, while Washington sits at 53. Is the disparity of the rankings that drastic in each position? Here is a breakdown of who has the edge at each position group on defense.

2024 CFP: Analyzing Michigan & Washington Defenses by Position

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