Washington Falls Short in College Football Playoff National Championship Game
By Braden Hirschi
Published January 9, 2024
The No. 2 Washington football team faced a tough loss in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, losing 34-13 to Michigan. Despite the defeat, Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer remained optimistic about the team's capability to win the title, emphasizing that they were not far off from victory. DeBoer expressed confidence in the team's potential to secure a national championship, highlighting the importance of making crucial plays to achieve a different outcome.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite falling behind 17-3 early in the second quarter, the Huskies managed to narrow the margin to a touchdown before halftime and were poised to receive the kick at the start of the second half. Although Michigan initially appeared dominant, averaging 12.3 yards per rush, Washington maintained an optimistic outlook, drawing from their experience of overcoming close games throughout the season.
Missed Opportunities
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. acknowledged the team's failure to execute crucial plays, attributing their loss to self-inflicted mistakes rather than the opponent's superiority. Penix, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, shouldered the blame for critical errors, including an interception that led to a Michigan field goal. Despite numerous opportunities to narrow the score gap in the second half, the Huskies were unable to capitalize on these chances, experiencing setbacks such as penalties and holding calls.
Defensive Challenges
Michigan's formidable defense posed significant challenges for Washington, limiting Penix's passing effectiveness and applying consistent pressure throughout the game. Despite Penix's commendable performance, the Wolverines' defensive prowess hindered his ability to lead the Huskies to a comeback, resulting in a subpar passing yardage for Penix and a notable decrease in offensive productivity for Washington.
Frustrations and Final Outcome
The Huskies encountered mounting frustration as their attempts to narrow the score gap were thwarted by Michigan's resolute defense. Ultimately, Washington's aspirations to secure their first national championship since 1991 were dashed, marking the end of their 21-game winning streak as they transition to the Big Ten next season.
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