Desmond Howard previews Michigan vs. Washington in CFP National Championship game
After four months of football, we officially have our last pair standing in the nation’s top two teams in No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington. With the Wolverines and Huskies now having a date in Houston, Desmond Howard has given his initial thoughts on the game between the two.
Howard previewed the national championship in the College Football Playoff during an appearance on ‘Get Up’ on Tuesday. At face value, he thinks it sets up as a very good game between two squads that have officially proven many wrong throughout their respective seasons.
“This is a great matchup,” said Howard. “You’re talking about two teams that have shown how resilient they be.”
Although a maize and blue man, though, Howard had a lot to say about Washington in particular. He sees the Huskies as a significant challenge for the Wolverines, specifically with every aspect of their offense, to have to handle next week.
“Obviously, we’ve followed Michigan from A to Z. But people, I don’t think, are really in tune with the story of the Washington Huskies,” said Howard. “Micheal Penix Jr.? He was a Heisman finalist, was the runner-up. He’s a guy who can spin the ball, they throw it all over the yard. But we’re talking about a tough team.”
“What’s more important? When you get beyond Michael Penix Jr.? And the trio of receivers he has, which are the best in college football? It all starts up front with their offensive line,” Howard continued. “This group won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the country. It starts in the trenches with them but then they have great skill too.”
However, heading into the title game, Howard did not the importance of the health of Washington RB Dillon Johnson. After clearly dealing with some pain in The Sugar Bowl, so much so that he left the game on a cart, it may mean the Huskies could now be without their leading rusher against Michigan.
“My biggest concern right now? I think, last night, their outstanding running back, Dillon Johnson, got a little banged up,” said Howard. “Not sure about his status for the championship game on Monday night.”
You couldn’t ask for much more from a championship with the final two undefeated teams competing for a title.
Michigan did so after overcoming every controversy and challenge that had come their way. That includes their comeback win in overtime against Alabama in The Rose Bowl. As for Washington, they’ve answered the bell at every opportunity with their latest victory over Texas in New Orleans sending them to the final game.
Now, both the Wolverines and Huskies will play for their coveted 15th win of the season. If Howard’s evaluation comes close to how it actually plays out, it should be quite the season finale with one team joining history in the final year of the four-team field.