Washington Huskies Preview: 2024 FBS Championship vs. Michigan
The game on January 8, 2024, will be one the Washington Huskies and their fans will remember for many years ahead, regardless of the outcome. It will also be an exciting preview as the Huskies join the Big Ten next season.
Michigan Defense
One of the reasons Michigan yields so few points is that they don’t give up many yards, either. UM allows 243.1 yards per game (93.1 run, and 150 pass). The Wolverines, in total, have 13 forced fumbles and 9 recoveries.
Their base defense plays two defensive tackles, two edge rushers, a middle and weakside linebacker, two cornerbacks, a nickel back, and two safeties.
Starting at defensive tackle are senior Kris Jenkins on the right side and sophomore Mason Graham on the left. Jenkins is sixth in tackles with 35 and has 2.5 sacks. Graham is tenth with 32 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble.
The two starting edge rushers are seniors Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell. McGregor has 4.5 sacks, while Harrell leads UM with 6.5 sacks. Michigan’s backup edge rushers are doing well, too. Sophomore Derrick Moore has 5 sacks and is tied for seventh in tackles with 34. Junior Josaiah Stewart has 5.5 sacks along with 33 stops.
Those looking for a key to this game must start with the trenches. Michigan will send their deep D-Line at the Washington Huskies Joe Moore Award-winning front to disrupt UW quarterback Michael Penix.
Michigan’s three top tacklers are linebackers. Junior Colson, middle linebacker, leads with 89 tackles. Weakside linebacker Michael Barrett, a graduate student, is second in tackles with 61 with 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 recoveries.
At the corner are senior Josh Wallace and sophomore Will Johnson. Wallace has 28 tackles with 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. Johnson has 23 stops with 3 interceptions(including a pick-six).
Nickel back is senior Mike Sainristil has been busy in 2023. He is fifth on the team with 36 tackles, and his 5 interceptions (2 for touchdowns) lead Michigan. These three will be responsible for corralling the Washington Husky’s big three receivers.
Strong Safety is senior Makari Paige. He is fourth in tackles and has a forced fumble. He’ll provide coverage over the top. Rod Moore is the free safety. He tied for seventh with 34 tackles and had 2 interceptions.
Final Thoughts
This game will be an exciting contrast in styles.
Can the Huskies contain Blake Corum and Michigan’s ground-and-pound rushing attack?
Will Michigan be able to get pressure on Penix? If they do, can they stop him from rolling out of danger like he did against Texas?
If not, are their defensive backs good enough to cover UW’s plethora of outstanding receivers?
It will likely come down to the wire. In that case, the Washington Huskies have a huge intangible from playing so many close games this season.
Washington’s defense rose to the occasion in the 4th quarter all season, making great stops. We could see a few trick plays on the part of Washington. Running back Dillon Johnson is expected to go how often his injured foot will allow.
Go Dawgs!