Kalen DeBoer, Jim Harbaugh explain why establishing the run is pivotal in CFP championship game

The air raid is fun, but the ground game is reliable. Reliable teams win national championships. Ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer weighed in on the importance of their respective rushing attacks.

“We know what Michigan’s done with their running game and their offensive line and just how it controls the tempo of the game,” DeBoer said. “If your offensive line has got that physical presence to them, your whole team probably has that physical presence, as well, because that’s what they’re going against each and every day in practice.

“The running game is critical, not just to Michigan is trying to do but what we are, as well… To be able to offset anything as far as them attacking Michael [Penix Jr.] and just keeping away from being in a one-dimensional type of spot, where it’s obvious pass downs all the time.”

This season, Washington’s offense hasn’t always boasted the balance DeBoer detailed during the press conference. The Huskies average 350 passing yards per game, the most in the country. Meanwhile, they only average 123.6 rushing yards per game, ranking No. 100 in the nation.

Despite Washington’s lopsided offensive production, the team doesn’t lack backfield talent. Running back Dillon Johnson has been stunning in the 2023 campaign, tallying 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns. Washington will need every inch it can find to defeat the Wolverines on Monday.

Michigan more familiar with the ground game

After all, Michigan has plenty of practice at the ground game. Running back Blake Corum is particularly experienced. The All-American RB has amassed 1,111 rushing yards this year, along with 25 touchdowns, the most in the country.

In Michigan’s win over Texas in the CFP semifinals, Corum exploded for 83 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Harbaugh has the utmost confidence in his veteran back.

“[Blake Corum] just always comes to play,” Harbaugh said. “He is always willing to do anything and everything for the team. I’ve never been around a guy who’s more about the team than than Blake Corum.

“I just made the comment last week that I really felt like if ever a game was going to be won, it was going to be won up front… This week, that’ll be huge. All phases of phases are going to be huge in this game.”

With both teams’ ready to put their nose to the grindstone, fans can expect fireworks on Monday. Michigan and Washington will square off 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.