College Football Playoff 2023 prediction: Why the No. 2 Washington Huskies have what it takes to win title

Washington has navigated a path to the College Football Playoff by dodging several potholes en route to an unblemished record and a Pac-12 championship. But now comes the really hard part. By snapping the conference’s seven-year CFP drought — Washington was the last team to represent the Pac-12 in the field in 2016 — the Huskies now have a target on their back as they look to cap off the four-team playoff era with a surprising title run that few saw coming. 

How can Washington make that dream a reality?

It starts with the offense, which has been explosive all year. Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr’s has been slinging it all over the field to his talented group of receivers, including star Rome Odunze. Penix led the nation in passing last season and is on pace to do it again with 324.5 yards per game — roughly 6 yards per game ahead of his nearest competitor.

Here’s why Penix and the Huskies have what it takes to win the program’s first national title since 1991. 

1. It can take the top off of any defense

Penix is tied for the top mark in the nation with 33 completions of 15 or more air yards beyond the sticks, and 11 of those have gone for touchdowns — tied for the fourth-most in the country. Translation: Penix lets it fly early, often and cashes in. 

Odunze has drawn all of the headlines after posting 1,428 yards receiving in 13 games, but he’s just one piece of the puzzle. Ja’Lynn Polk has 1,000 yards himself, and a now-healthy Jalen McMillan had 131 yards receiving in the Pac-12 Championship Game win over Oregon. Penix has way too many weapons at his disposal, all of whom can stretch the field.

Now, it’ll be a much bigger challenge for Penix and Co. if they get past Texas and face either Alabama or Michigan in the…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-2023-prediction-why-the-no-2-washington-huskies-have-what-it-takes-to-win-title/

Author : Barrett Sallee

Publish date : 2023-12-28 16:58:19

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