Michael Penix Jr. shares first impressions of Michigan's defense

Michael Penix Jr. has dazzled against every opposing defense that has crossed his path this season — so why should Michigan be any different?

Washington, who is set to take on the Wolverines on Monday for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game, are underdogs for the third-straight game to the Wolverines. Penix Jr. isn’t worried about lines in Vegas, however. Instead, he’s focused on picking apart Michigan’s defensive unit — a group that has gained his respect over the course of the season.

“That’s a good team over there,” Penix Jr. said after taking down Texas in the CFP semifinal. “They’re coached up very well. But we’re going to be ready for the challenge. They mix up the picture quite a bit. They try to get the quarterback off his mark. But we’ll be ready for it. We know that.

“Obviously it’s the biggest game right now mainly because it’s our next one but obviously because it’s the championship, as well, for the national championship, but I’m super excited for the opportunity. We’re just going to continue to prepare the same way that we do each and every week. We know that we have what it takes to be able to come out with a W — we’ve just got to go out there, execute and do it.”

Michigan comes into the national title game ranked No. 1 in the country in total defense. The Wolverines have allowed 16 total touchdowns all season long — meanwhile, Penix Jr. has been responsible for 38 Husky touchdowns his season as one of the nation’s most exciting players.

The Wolverines’ defense is allowing an NCAA-low 243.1 yards per game. Penix Jr. has thrown for at least 244 yards in 12 games this season with the exceptions being wins over Washington State and Oregon State in consecutive weeks.

Even worse for Michigan, Penix Jr. is seemingly playing his best football of the season right now. His 430-yard passing performance against the Longhorns was his most productive game since he threw for 450 in the season opener against Boise State.

In the Pac-12 title game and College Football Playoff semifinal combined, Penix has combined for 749 yards and three touchdown passes on a 73% completion percentage. His team is averaging around five touchdowns per game over that stretch. Michigan hasn’t allowed more than three touchdowns in any game all season.

Statistics will be thrown out the door once opening kickoff ensues. The national title game is scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN. The Wolverines are 4.5-point betting favorites to begin the weekend.