Who ya' got?: Coaches offer anonymous picks, thoughts on the National Championship Game between Michigan vs. Washington

NASHVILLE — On the first afternoon of the 2024 AFCA Coaches Convention, I roamed the labyrinth of hallways and walkways inside the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center asking folks a simple question: 

Who wins Monday’s national championship between Michigan and Washington? And why?

I anonymously polled assistants, analysts and recruiting staffers from every walk of D-1 football. Some had played against the Wolverines or Huskies in the last few seasons, while others had simply observed the program’s seasons from afar. Interestingly, a few had just watched the All-22 coach’s film of Michigan’s win over Alabama and came away even more convinced the Wolverines would win Monday night. 

Some of the coaches interviewed I knew. Many I didn’t. But a theme quickly emerged throughout the day: Folks didn’t truly know what to expect in a matchup featuring two teams with such contrasting strengths and styles — and that unknown for a national title excited them. Of the people polled, a majority believed either team could win, but the Wolverines, which are favored by 4-points, did come out as the more popular pick in the end.

“If it’s a shootout you have to like Washington. Just too much firepower with that quarterback. But if it’s a mud fight, take Michigan, one SEC assistant said. 

“But that’s not a pick,” I responded.

“It’s a toss-up,” he said before pausing, “Michigan.”

While some coaches weren’t crazy about Michigan simply because of the sign-stealing scandal, most all set aside any bias and gave Jim Harbaugh’s program its due for its three-year run of player development, depth and scheme. Several coaches are amazed at the D-line depth the Wolverines have accumulated. And from OC Sherrone Moore — “That’s my guy. He’s going to be a head coach soon. It would be really great to see a black OC win the national championship.” — to DC Jesse Minter, other coaches marveled at Harbaugh’s staff.

“They’re not just talented, but they’re really well-coached,” said one Sun Belt assistant who watched the coaches’ film against Alabama. “They’re always lined up in the right spot. They always make the correct calls.”

With Washington, coaches and staffers were impressed with Kalen DeBoer’s ability simply to win everywhere — “I didn’t realize his overall record until the other day. (104-11) that’s crazy,” — AAC assistant — but they mainly harped on the brilliance of Michael Penix and the Huskies’ elite group of wide receivers. When in doubt, when Washington was the pick the rationale was typically because the Huskies have the better quarterback and everyone was terrified of Rome Odzune, Jalen McMillan and Ja’lynn Polk.

“I don’t know how you stop those three receivers,” said an FCS assistant.

When the votes were registered, the final tally was Michigan, 13, and Washington: 8. So the Wolverines it is then? Guess we’ll find out Monday night.

As for some of the other ‘whys’ for other picks:

“I want Washington to win. I didn’t like all the stuff all year around Michigan. But if they can do it to Alabama, they can do it to anybody.” — Former SEC recruiting staffer

“I could see it going either way. Both teams are so strong. I lean Washington. What’s the best quarterback Michigan has faced all season? Taulia Tagovailoa? … Explosiveness is the great equalizer. And with those wideouts (the Huskies) have, I don’t think Michigan can match points.” SEC recruiting staffer

“It’s simple, mass wins.” — Big Ten assistant

“I don’t want to bet against that QB, but Michigan just has it. Harbaugh is going to win, stick it to the NCAA and then head to the NFL.” — MAC position coach

“Michigan is just too good. They’re just a little better in almost every aspect than Washington outside of the quarterback. They have really good players. They’re really well-coached. … I’ll tell you what, they never miss tackles and that could be huge in a close game.” — longtime SEC, Big Ten defensive assistant

“Take this with a grain of salt, because I was wrong with both (CFP Semifinals), but give me Washington. We’re going to look back in five years and realize just how unreal that offense was… Those three receivers are insane.” — SEC player personnel 

“Michigan just has more physicality. They’re the more complete team. They have more athletes than Washington. The Pac-12 isn’t banging like that.” — ACC analyst