For the national championship, No. 1 Michigan will face No. 2 Washington. The physically strong and formidable Wolverines against the formidable Huskies attack? Who will prevail, then? The choices are made by our employees.
Nicole Auerbach: The explosive Washington offensive definitely makes me pause, but I’m sticking with my preseason selection. However, the Wolverines will triumph in the same manner as they have throughout the season: controlling both scrimmage lines, handling the football with care, and putting their faith in seasoned players Blake Corum and J.J. McCarthy to step up when the chips are down.
Jayna Bardahl: I’ll admit that the Huskies’ run defense worries me, but I have faith that their offense will make up for it. Washington’s offensive line is more proficient in the air than Michigan’s has ever faced. If the offensive line of Washington continues to live up to its Joe Moore Award-winning reputation, Michael Penix Jr. and company will be too formidable to handle.
Matt Brown: Although I predicted Michigan to win the national championship in the preseason and believe I should see it through to the finish, Washington’s attack will put Michigan to the test like no one in the Big Ten could. The Wolverines have a more accomplished squad and are more talented and seasoned. They have the patience to play keep-away with a physical rushing game and the secondary to put Washington’s receivers to the test. I’ll go with Michigan to win by a touchdown while limiting possessions.
Richard Deitsch: Permit me to deviate a little from my peers’ predictions and offer you two: In the end, Michigan’s front seven will make the difference late in what could be an incredible, high-stress match: 34-27 Wolverines. What was the second prediction? The championship game will attract a large boost in viewership over last year’s Georgia thrashing of TCU (17.2 million viewers), reaching its highest level since 2017. Please count me in for 26 million watchers.
Terry Dwyer: CJ Stroud’s Ohio State teams from 2021 and 2022 are strikingly similar to this Washington team. I predict Michigan to repeat its feats from those games by limiting big plays, forcing defensive run dominance in high-leverage situations, and controlling the ball with a balanced run/pass attack.
