Pressuring Penix
In the College Football Playoff National Championship, Michigan’s defense put immense pressure on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to replicate his outstanding performance from the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Penix completed just 53% of his passes for 255 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Huskies’ offensive coordinator tried to alleviate the pressure by calling creative plays, but they couldn’t generate consistency.
Plays that swung the game
Several key plays had a significant impact on the game’s outcome. In the first quarter, Donovan Edwards scored a 41-yard touchdown run, giving Michigan a 7.6% increase in win probability. This was followed by a 37-yard pass from J.J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson, which increased Michigan’s win probability by 4.9%. Edwards then scored another touchdown with a 46-yard run, increasing their win probability by 7.8%. Blake Corum’s 59-yard run in the first quarter also had a positive impact, increasing win probability by 5.8%.
In the second quarter, McCarthy’s incomplete pass to Wilson on fourth-and-2 decreased Michigan’s win probability by 4.1%. Penix’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan near the end of the second quarter decreased Michigan’s win probability by 8.0%. In the third quarter, Will Johnson intercepted Penix’s pass, increasing Michigan’s win probability by 9.0%. Corum being stuffed for -1 yard on third-and-2 decreased Michigan’s win probability by 4.6%. McCarthy’s 22-yard rush on third-and-8 increased their win probability by 6.7%. Finally, McCarthy’s 41-yard pass to Colston Loveland increased Michigan’s win probability by 5.3%.
Harbaugh’s quest
Jim Harbaugh’s journey as a coach has been extraordinary. After a successful career as a quarterback, he quickly rose through the coaching ranks, from FCS head coach to Super Bowl coach to FBS head coach. When he returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, he faced challenges but ultimately led the team to success. In his tenure, Michigan had its first win over Ohio State since 2011, won its first Big Ten title since 2003, and secured its first College Football Playoff bid. Despite a demoralizing loss to Georgia in the playoff, the Wolverines bounced back and won the national title in 2023. Harbaugh’s determination and ability to overcome obstacles have made him one of the most successful coaches of his era.