Key Players And Prediction For Michigan vs. Washington

The college football season concludes tonight with Michigan taking on Washington for the National Championship. There's a nice history between these 2 powerful programs, with the Wolverines holding an 8-5 record against the Huskies.  Among the memorable games was the 1992 Rose Bowl when #2 Washington defeated #4 Michigan 34-14. Billy Joe Hobert and Steve Emtman starred for the Huskies who were named National Champions in the Coaches Poll. Another great game between the 2 schools was in 2002 when Michigan defeated Washington by a score of 31-29. Walk on kicker Philip Brabbs kicked the game winning field goal after missing 2 in the 1st half.

KEY PLAYERS ON OFFENSE

Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)

Odunze is a prolific receiver, considered to be easily one of the best in the country. He's amassed over 1500 yards receiving this season and can work the outside and over his shoulder with the best of them. If he wins his matchups with the Michigan secondary, Washington will be tough to beat.

Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)

The Wolverines have leaned very heavily on the workhorse running back for 2 years now. He has a powerful low base and can control the tempo and the time of possession for the Wolverines. If Corum can get 4 yards a pop and keep the dynamic Huskie offense off the field it will go a long way toward a win.

KEY PLAYERS ON DEFENSE

Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)

Johnson has proven late in the season that he can match up with the best of the best wide receivers. As an example, Johnson shadowed the Buckeyes Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 1st half and did a nice job keeping him under wraps. If he can have that type of performance against Odunze and company, Michigan has a great chance to bring home the title.

Bralen Trice (Edge, Washington)

Many Michigan fans are still having nightmares of Penn State and Ohio State edge rushers wreaking havoc on the Wolverines ability to protect the QB and establish a meaningful passing game. Trice is very good on the outside and could do the same in the title game. 

Prediction:  Michigan

Ever since last season's disappointing loss to TCU in the semifinals, Michigan has had the feel of a team of destiny. They've overcome 2 suspensions of their Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and an unprecedented advanced scouting scandal. Yet here they are, where they said they were going to be ever since the loss in the playoffs last year. I think Corum and the offensive line control the time of possession and JJ McCarthy makes a big play or 2. Defensively, DC Jesse Minter continues his mastery scheming against big time offenses and offensive threats.