Penix Jr. made some perplexing remarks.
Michael Penix Jr. finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after throwing for a nation-leading 4,648 passing yards with 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions going into the national championship game against Michigan. But in Washington’s 34-13 loss to the Wolverines on Monday night, Penix Jr. had his worst performance of the year against Michigan’s top passing defense.
Penix Jr. completed 27 of 51 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Penix Jr. was pressured by Michigan on 17 of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Penix Jr. was 3 of 15 for 14 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions, one sack, and a five-yard rush during those dropbacks. Penix Jr. was uncomfortable the entire game against Michigan, and by the time it was over, he was bruised, beaten, and hobbled.
In the game, Michigan’s defense was undeniably excellent, but Penix Jr. chose not to give the Wolverines the credit they earned.
They make a strong team. Simply put, we fell short when it mattered most. It all comes down to execution. Penix Jr. stated, “I don’t think they did anything; I think we beat ourselves.” And there were moments when we undoubtedly had the chance to change the course of the game dramatically by making huge plays. However, the final step is to execute. They’re a solid team, but we were presented with numerous chances.
Penix Jr.’s assertion that Michigan simply defeated itself and did nothing is ludicrous and untrue. Michigan prevailed in the trenches and repeatedly put pressure on Penix Jr. and threw off his timing. That isn’t one team defeating another; that is one team simply outplaying the other on the field. Moreover, Penix Jr.’s statement that “I don’t feel like they did anything” after the Wolverines double-teamed him is illogical. Michigan won the national championship because they accomplished a lot. A player can always claim that they defeated themselves, but Michigan overcame the Huskies this time thanks to their diligence and skill.
