Preview of the National Championship: Michigan’s Runs Against Washington’s Passing Strength

In the CFP title game, a captivating clash of styles will unfold, highlighted by Michael Penix Jr. guiding the Huskies and J.J. McCarthy taking the reins for the Wolverines.

If styles determine the outcome, the national championship showdown between Washington and Michigan stands out as the most intriguing title-game matchup in years. They represent opposites in their approach to the game. The Huskies aim to excel in high-scoring contests, emphasizing a fast-paced strategy, while Michigan’s offensive strategy centers on a deliberate, controlling pace, leveraging a formidable running game and strong defensive play. The question arises: How do these teams align against each other?

When Washington is in possession of the ball, they bring to the field an electrifying offense reminiscent of the 2020 Alabama or the 2019 LSU teams, featuring three wide receivers with NFL-caliber talent (Rome Odunze, Ja’lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan) and a quarterback (Michael Penix Jr.) who earned the second spot in Heisman Trophy voting. The strength of Washington’s offense lies not only in its effectiveness but also in its unconventional approach, constantly keeping defensive coordinators guessing with unpredictable playcalling.

The offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, is known for his lack of a predictable pattern. While some coaches might opt for a conventional run after an incompletion on first down, Washington is more inclined to take another shot with a deep pass. Instances like a sequence of 10 consecutive passing plays, as seen in the Utah game, are not uncommon for the Huskies. This consistent aggression makes it challenging for opponents to anticipate their next move. In fact, one defensive coach revealed to Sports Illustrated that his team adjusted their strategy by implementing third-down pressure packages on second downs because it seemed like Washington was aiming for first downs on second downs rather than waiting for high-leverage third-down situations.

When Washington has possession of the ball, they unleash an electrifying offense reminiscent of the 2020 Alabama or 2019 LSU teams. The lineup includes three wide receivers boasting NFL-caliber talent—Rome Odunze, Ja’lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan—and a quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., who secured the second spot in Heisman Trophy voting. The potency of Washington’s offense extends beyond its effectiveness; it thrives on an unconventional approach, consistently keeping defensive coordinators on edge with unpredictable playcalling.

Washington’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, is recognized for his lack of a discernible pattern. While some coaches might resort to a conventional run after an incompletion on first down, Washington is more inclined to take another shot with a deep pass. Instances like a sequence of 10 consecutive passing plays, as witnessed in the Utah game, are not unusual for the Huskies. This sustained aggression poses a challenge for opponents in anticipating their next move. A defensive coach even disclosed to Sports Illustrated that his team adjusted their strategy by incorporating third-down pressure packages on second down, interpreting Washington’s tendency to pursue first downs on second downs rather than waiting for high-leverage third-down situations.

“When you’re concentrating on the back shoulder fade, you have to be incredibly disciplined,” remarked Michigan co-defensive coordinator and defensive back coach Steve Clinkscale. “Understanding the timing of the throw, where it’s directed, the target, and finishing the play is crucial. The ball is often thrown behind the receiver, leading to a lot of pass interference calls when you review the film. The key is not to panic. Once we adapt to this, there might be a few instances of pass interference, but the emphasis is on maintaining aggression.”

Washington’s frequent use of motion is another element that sets them apart, aligning them with some of the more innovative offenses in the sport. At times, the Huskies deploy up to four players in motion before the snap, akin to defensive rotations and feigned blitzes. Offensive motion serves various purposes, including gaining insights into defensive tendencies and creating favorable alignments before the snap that can be exploited after the snap.

Taking a page from the Miami Dolphins’ playbook, Washington has embraced the use of short motions, a strategy that effectively transforms an inside receiver into an outside receiver. This approach provides the wideout with a head start at the snap, reminiscent of the CFL (Canadian Football League) style of play.

2023 Washington State

-2×2

-Expand Motion Stick w/ Y Corner to Field

-3-Fade, X-Stick, Z-Snag, 2-Corner, TB-Shoot

-Expand Motion Causes CB to Widen Allowing X to Sit this Down in Space pic.twitter.com/3ofxX2xZ9m

— Pace N Space (@PaceNSpace2) January 4, 2024

In a lighthearted remark, Grubb mentions that they draw inspiration from anyone who has successfully scored points, with specific nods to the strategies employed by Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins. Washington cleverly incorporates their motions not only for strategic positioning but also to execute an unconventional screen game. An example is the wide receiver screen where Germie Bernard, the wideout, goes in motion in front of another receiver to provide a blocking presence after the catch.