NCAAF · 1 year ago

2024 CFP: Analyzing Michigan & Washington Offenses by Position

Sammy Jacobs

Host · Writer

Offensive Line: Edge Even
The last three winners of the Joe Moore Award (nation's top OL) have been Michigan (2021-22) and Washington (2023). Washington's line ranks fourth in fewest sacks allowed and eighth in fewest tackles for loss allowed nationally. However, Michigan's defense is the best unit they'll face. Michigan's stats were not as outstanding as Washington's. The Wolverines were 30th in sacks allowed and fifth in tackles for loss allowed. However, some of the stats are skewed because of the style and skill of the quarterback each team deploys. Penix is great at eluding pressure in the pocket, while McCarthy tries to escape and run.
Who has the edge in the offensive matchup between Michigan and Washington
The 2024 College Football Playoff final features two very different offenses: the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines. The Huskies are a big play, throwing team who rely on Michael Penix’s arm and skilled weapons at receiver. They are no slouch on the ground, with Dillon Johnson running behind the best offensive line in the country. Michigan, on the other hand, is more methodical. They rely on a power run game with one of the best running backs in the country to set up their pass game. Here is who has the edge at every position on offense.
Quarterback: Edge Washington
Washington quarterback Michael Penix has been arguably the best in the sport in 2023 and showed that he could perform on the big stage in the CFP semi-final against Texas. He’s an excellent deep ball thrower and is slippery in the pocket, buying time to find his weapons downfield. Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is a good quarterback, he is not the game breaker that Penix has been all season. McCarthy bounced back from some nerves in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, but Penix has the advantage here.
Running Back: Edge Michigan
Michigan has the better playmaker at running back and leans on Blake Corum to be their star, with a couple of other running backs behind him. Corum has not had the year he had in 2022 via big highlight plays, but he has 25 rushing touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards. Washington has their own 1,000-yard back in Dillion Johnson and while all indications are that he is good to go after an injury scare at the end of the semi-final win over Texas, there is still a question mark to how effective he can be. Washington doesn’t run the ball all that much and the health of Johnson turns a slight edge for Michigan into a bigger one.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: Edge Washington
Washington's passing attack is elite, partly due to the Huskies' talent at receiver and tight end. Receivers Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan, and Germie Bernard are the four big threats for Washington. Odunze had over 1,500 yards this season, and if teams want to double-team him, Polk and McMillion combined for 104 catches, 1,648 yards, and 13 scores. The Huskies also have two solid tight ends in Jack Westover and Devin Culp. Michigan is not as deep at the receiver position and mainly relies on Roman Wilson (735 yards and 12 TDs) and tight end Colston Loveland (585 yards and four TDs). Michigan will also use running back Donovan Edwards in passing situations, and backup tight end AJ Barner has been productive in spots. Wideout Cornelius Johnson also had 45 catches for 579 yards. The edge is clearly to Washington here.
Offensive Line: Edge Even
The last three winners of the Joe Moore Award (nation's top OL) have been Michigan (2021-22) and Washington (2023). Washington's line ranks fourth in fewest sacks allowed and eighth in fewest tackles for loss allowed nationally. However, Michigan's defense is the best unit they'll face. Michigan's stats were not as outstanding as Washington's. The Wolverines were 30th in sacks allowed and fifth in tackles for loss allowed. However, some of the stats are skewed because of the style and skill of the quarterback each team deploys. Penix is great at eluding pressure in the pocket, while McCarthy tries to escape and run.
Who has the edge in the offensive matchup between Michigan and Washington
The 2024 College Football Playoff final features two very different offenses: the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines. The Huskies are a big play, throwing team who rely on Michael Penix’s arm and skilled weapons at receiver. They are no slouch on the ground, with Dillon Johnson running behind the best offensive line in the country. Michigan, on the other hand, is more methodical. They rely on a power run game with one of the best running backs in the country to set up their pass game. Here is who has the edge at every position on offense.

2024 CFP: Analyzing Michigan & Washington Offenses by Position

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