Three reasons why Michigan can win the CFP national championship game
Michigan and Washington meet in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night. Per Action Network, the Wolverines are a 4.5-point favorite seeking their first national title since the 1997 season.
Here are three reasons why Michigan (14-0) can beat Washington (14-0) in a battle of unbeatens.
1. Michigan running back Blake Corum gashes Washington's rush defense
The Huskies struggled to stop Longhorns running backs CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue, potentially setting Corum up for a big game. Per Game on Paper, 69 percent of Texas' runs in its 37-31 Sugar Bowl loss gained four or more yards. Baxter and Blue successfully penetrated the middle of Washington's defense, gaining 77 yards, including 37 yards after contact, on 10 carries between the tackles. Blue also succeeded on perimeter runs, gaining 42 yards on seven attempts.
Corum gained most of his yards on attempts attacking the edge of Bama's defensive front, gaining 77 yards on 11 carries off the left and right ends, including the winning touchdown in overtime. (h/t Pro Football Focus)
2. Michigan corners win one-on-one matchups with Washington's wide receivers
Michigan's corners did an outstanding job of bottling up Bama wide receivers Isaiah Bond and Jermaine Burton. Per data from PFF, Alabama only had two completions of 10 yards or more in the Rose Bowl. Corner Mike Sainristil wasn't targeted in coverage, and Will Johnson didn't allow a completion on two targets. Alabama's biggest pass play, a 29-yarder from quarterback Jalen Milroe to Bond, came when the wideout was matched up against sophomore safety Keon Sabb.
Huskies wide receivers Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan had huge games against Texas, combining for 16 receptions on 17 targets for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan must win most of its individual matchups on the outside to avoid the championship game turning into a track meet.
3. Huskies have no answer for tight end Colston Loveland
Loveland tied a season-low in targets (two) against Alabama, but he could play a much bigger role against Washington. This season, the sophomore tight end is third on the team in receptions (42) and second in receiving yards (585).
The Wolverines do a great job of moving Loveland around in formations, which should provide him with some favorable one-on-one matchups. According to PFF, Loveland lines up in the slot (47.6 percent) more than anywhere else on the field.
In its Sugar Bowl win, Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders made several big plays and finished with six receptions for 77 yards. Huskies strong safety Dominique Hampton matched up with Sanders most often, allowing three receptions on five targets for 56 yards and three first downs. Washington corners held Texas wideouts Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy in check, limiting them to six receptions on 14 targets for 77 yards. The Wolverines' big plays through the air might have to come via McCarthy's connection to Loveland.
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