The Huskies will present an X-factor for Michigan football on Monday night.
After defeating Ryan Leaf and Washington State for the championship in 1997, Michigan football is back in the national championship game. The Wolverines, led by Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze among others, will face off against what is perhaps the best passing attack in college football on Monday, January 8.
It was recently debated whether or not Michigan’s chances of winning the NCAA title would be compromised. The predictions of rival coaches provided material for the bulletin board for Michigan football.
The biggest X-factor for Michigan is largely unnoticed coming into the big game. It plays a significant role in both their ability to limit Alabama football to just 116 passing yards and the confidence that Wolverines fans have in the team.
The Secondary X-Factor of Michigan Football
Michigan football is known for turning out excellent defensive backs. Most Wolverines fans are unaware of the frustration they have experienced over the years watching the team’s secondary.
Among the issues are players’ insufficient backward glances, incorrect penalties, and injuries, like the one Jabrill Peppers suffered against Florida State in 2016.
Jim Harbaugh has changed the secondary’s recruiting strategy while at Michigan by bringing in quicker, more adaptable players with improved ball handling abilities.
Before facing the Huskies, the Michigan football secondary is healthy and playing at its highest level.
Nickelback Mike Sainristil is a legendary playmaker and captain of the team. Harbaugh, a former wide receiver, views Sainristil as “like a son” because of their similar attention to detail and fierce rivalry in the game of football.
In crucial situations, Sainristil has a knack for interceptions and other big plays. Additionally, he is dynamic and proficient in the blitz.
The native of Massachusetts Five or six playmakers make up the secondary that is led by Haitian Sainristil.
Will Johnson: The Lockdown Corner of Michigan
In the Michiganan tradition of Marlin Jackson, Ty Law, and Charles Woodson, Will Johnson is a lockdown cover corner.
The 6-foot-2, over 200-pound native of Detroit possesses the size, quickness, and composed attitude required to match the best receivers in the country stride for stride.
Johnson will probably face the 6-foot-3 superstar Odunze of the Huskies, who has amassed over 1,500 yards of total offense this year.
The tone for “The Game” was set by the former five-star recruit and sophomore’s early interception against Ohio State football. Michigan football might get off to an early lead if he can remove Washington’s best receiver from the contest.
Johnson is the only player who is capable of taking on Penix Jr., a Heisman finalist, even though it won’t be easy.
Depth of Michigan versus Penix Jr. and the Huskies
Football at Michigan is among the best defensive teams in the nation; after rival Ohio State, they allow the fewest passing yards overall.
In terms of forcing turnovers, the Wolverines rank among the best teams in the nation.
Long, adaptable, and quick players abound in their secondary, making them nearly interchangeable in the defensive backfield.
Rod Moore and Makari Paige walk around the middle of the field, looking for chances to turn the ball over, similar to Moore’s game-winning, last-second pick against Kyle McCord and the Buckeyes.
The key to Michigan’s victory in this game might be UMass transfer Josh Wallace. Wallace struggled to get used to the Michigan defensive scheme early in the season. Ever since, he’s developed into a reliable cover corner and a one-man show when it comes to making plays, like the fumble recovery he had against Alabama and Jalen Milroe.
Michigan has the deepest secondary in the country. While it may not be sufficient to completely stop Penix Jr. and the Washington passing attack, Michigan football now has as much of a chance as any other team to slow it down and win.
