college football national championship 2023-24 preview: Michigan vs. Washington, stats

This year’s College Football Playoff semifinals kicked off 2024 with a bang. Michigan and Alabama faced off in an instant classic at the Rose Bowl, while Washington got past Texas in a Sugar Bowl matchup filled with high-octane offense.

Whether you’re hoping for the Wolverines to finish the season with a trophy or wishing for the Huskies to eke out one more close win, here’s what you need to know to watch the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

The 2024 college football season wraps up next week with a doozy of a matchup between two teams with opposing play styles and equally elite talent. Here are our biggest questions about Michigan vs. Washington and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Michigan vs. Washington stats by the numbers

Stat Michigan Washington

ESPN FPI 1st 12th

Passing yards per game 218.9 (74th) 350 (1st)

Rushing yards per game 159.5 (62th) 123.6 (102th)

Points scored per game 36 (14th) 37.6 (10th)

Passing defense 150 (2nd) 267.1 (123rd)

Rushing defense 93.1 (9th) 137 (43rd)

Points allowed per game 10.2 (1st) 24.1 (53rd)

Washington’s offense: Dingers! Dingers!

Michigan’s offense has methodically crushed opponents all season long under a wave of steady runs, short passes, and timely counters. Washington’s high-flying and pass-heavy offense is decidedly not like that!

Facing a solid Texas team, Penix Jr. responded by torching the Longhorns’ defense and putting up a video game-esque stat line (430 passing yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 76% completion percentage). Receivers Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk each eclipsed 100 receiving yards, while Polk and fellow receiver Jalen McMillan tacked on a touchdown.

For the season, Washington leads the nation in passing yardage and ranks second in explosive passing plays. Odunze and Polk each broke the 1,000-yard mark for the year and ranked 2nd and 18th nationally in receiving yards. Michigan’s defense has been solid all season, but a huge part of the game will depend on their ability to clamp down Washington and Penix Jr.’s deep ball game.

Michigan’s offense: play the game of your life one more time

It’s a testament to Michigan’s grit (and more than a bit of good luck) that they pulled out a win over Alabama despite a litany of offensive and special teams mistakes.

Michigan’s final drives in the Rose Bowl finally featured the Wolverines’ offense operating at peak efficiency: We saw J.J. McCarthy outrun the defense with his legs, numerous opportunities for running back Blake Corum, and (most importantly) no half-baked trick plays that went nowhere. (We’ll admit that “don’t do all the stupid stuff you did last week” isn’t the most trenchant football analysis, but it’s true! Michigan did a lot of stupid stuff!)

Washington’s defense is a step down from Alabama’s roster, but defensive end Bralen Trice will be the toughest matchup for Michigan’s offense. According to Pro Football Focus, Trice leads the nation in pressures, and he racked up five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble against Texas.

Washington vs. Michigan: some more questions

Will Michigan finally use more play-action?

It’s pretty weird that Washington and Michigan are now in the same conference and face off again this October, right?

Who will replace Washington’s running game if running back Dillon Johnson can’t play?

Can Washington eke out one more close win?

Can J.J. McCarthy share his meditation playlist with Michigan’s special teams players?

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