ESPN broadcast updates Michael Penix Jr. injury scare vs. Michigan after interception

Michael Penix Jr.‘s interception on the first play of the second half was caused by a bit of friendly fire.

Washington offensive lineman Parker Brailsford was backed into Penix Jr. while attempting a throw, stepping on his foot and rolling his ankle in the process. Michigan DB Will Johnson made a masterful move in a tip-drill scenario to come up with a huge pick for the Wolverines.

He was checked out on the sideline after the play, and his status was updated before returning to the field on the next drive.

“He tested the mobility of that ankle, hopped up and down and is moving well,” ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath reported. “He didn’t get it taped or anything, and he went up to Rome Odunze and said ‘I’m good.’ Odunze said, ‘Great. We need you.’ At the half, head coach Kalen DeBoer said that [Washington] needs to get more explosive plays in the passing game and he’ll definitely need Michael Penix to step up on this drive.”

Penix Jr. went on to lead Washington to a field goal on the ensuing drive to cut the lead to 20-13 in the third quarter. Catch the remainder of the 2023-24 college football season live on ESPN as we get set to crown the new College Football Playoff national champion.

Kalen DeBoer explains key to second half for Washington

It wasn’t a great start for Washington in the national championship against Michigan, but the Huskies ended the first half on a strong note. After falling behind two touchdowns, they managed to score a touchdown with less than a minute remaining to cut the deficit to 17-10 at halftime. 

Going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line, Michael Penix Jr. found Jalen McMillan on a slant route for Washington’s first TD of the evening. That put the Huskies right back in the game as they are set to receive the ball to begin the third quarter. 

Speaking with ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath, Washington coach Kalen DeBoer explained how his team managed the early storm to keep itself in striking distance. 

“It’s just doing what we’ve done all year,” he said. “We took some of their best punches early. Now we’ve kind of settled in and the defense has kind of got things figured out. Great drive by our offense there and we get the ball to start the third quarter. So in a great spot.”

Read more from On3’s Chandler Vessels here.