Washington offense and Michigan defense getting ready for the much anticipated trench battle
HOUSTON — Going into a game, the top-ranked Michigan football team could essentially rely on one thing the previous two years: the Wolverines (at least theoretically) always had the superior offensive line.
It was evident that Michigan’s offensive line, which won back-to-back Joe Moore awards in 2021 and 2022, was the engine of the Wolverines’ offense. But Michigan is going into unknown territory as it prepares to play Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship, as the Huskies’ offensive line might even surpass its own.
Given that the Huskies’ offensive line is among the most complete in college football and managed to steal the Wolverines’ championship and win the Joe Moore Award this year while averaging less than a sack per game, a high-profile matchup appears inevitable. The Wolverines’ defensive line, which recorded six sacks against Alabama, will face the top offensive line of the season on one side of the ball. Furthermore, both sides believe that winning a national title depends heavily on their performance in the trenches.
Regarding Washington’s offensive line, Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said, “I think it is a great challenge, they have only given up 11 sacks.” In this kind of game, it is not always about the number of sacks. The goal is to influence the quarterback in some way.
The Wolverines’ dominance against Alabama last week was largely due to their capacity to overwhelm the Crimson Tide’s offensive line and apply pressure to quarterback Jalen Milroe. Michigan threw Alabama off balance just enough to stifle their passing game with six sacks and multiple pressures, one of which led to Milroe’s last-gasp rushing attempt in overtime that was unsuccessful.
The motto “somehow, somehow” will get Michigan’s defensive line going against the Huskies’ outstanding quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., on Monday. Penix has been methodical in making his opponents pay when he has the time and space to maneuver in the pocket.
With 4600 yards and 35 touchdowns, Penix is a formidable opponent for the nation’s top-ranked defense, the Michigan Wolverines. Additionally, senior Michigan edge rusher Jaylen Harrell gave a straightforward response when asked if Penix is frightening to watch on screen:
Really, Harrell replied. The ball is his to put wherever he pleases. He releases the ball quickly and has a nice O-line. Our greatest challenge to date is that Phoenix releases the ball with lightning speed. He has not taken many hits. We need to figure out how to simply make him uncomfortable and move him off the spot.
But to do that, you have to overcome the nation’s best offensive line. But the defensive line of the Wolverines offers as good of a challenge as any. Michigan’s defensive line has been successful in applying forced pressure with well-timed blitzes, accounting for 38 sacks this season.
Furthermore, Washington has also taken notice of this.
According to offensive lineman Troy Fautanu of Washington, “the one word I would use to describe Michigan’s defense is disruptive, especially in the backfield.” Their front seven, linebackers, and D-line are all extremely well-coached. The one thing that jumps out to me is that they play together.
The Huskies’ offensive prowess, led almost exclusively by Michael Penix Jr., will determine the game by proxy in the trenches. Michigan will suffer if Penix has time to settle in and develop into a premier receiving core. However, Penix’s flaws make it much more difficult for Washington to win the game.
The best offensive line in the nation will help any quarterback, Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston said to The Michigan Daily.
