And now for something completely different.
For the first time since the College Football Playoff’s debut season in 2014 and just the second time since 2005, the Bowl Subdivision’s championship game will not feature at least one team from the SEC.
Instead, Monday’s matchup in Houston will feature two current and future members of the Big Ten in No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington. This marks the fourth time in playoff history the championship game will pit two unbeaten teams.
The three-time defending Big Ten champion Wolverines had dropped two playoff games in a row before taking down Alabama in overtime in the Rose Bowl. Eight years into the Jim Harbaugh era, this victory validated the program’s immense growth since hitting rock bottom during the 2020 COVID season.
Washington took home the final Pac-12 championship thanks to two key wins against rival Oregon. The Huskies and Ducks will join the Big Ten next season as the league expands to 18 teams.
On its face, the game presents an interesting juxtaposition in style: Michigan as the bruising, bullying Big Ten throwback, and Washington the finesse-driven, pass-happy offense looking to speed up the tempo to negate the Wolverines’ strength.
Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) runs against Alabama during the second half of their College Football Playoff semifinal game at the 2024 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
The truth about each team is much more complicated.
“Everybody thinks out on the West Coast it’s just basketball on grass,” Washington offensive guard Julius Buelow said. “I hear this and that, we’re soft or whatever.”
After handling the Longhorns’ vaunted defensive front and controlling possession for over 36 minutes in their Sugar Bowl victory, the Huskies have established themselves as a team very capable of winning in multiple ways — not just by playing at a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-washington-bring-contrast-styles-155035773.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-02 15:50:35
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