Michael Penix Jr. can be slowed down by the Wolverines.Jim Harbaugh explains how Michael Penix Jr. has the 'it factor' - Maize n  Brew

Michigan’s goal is to win a national championship, but the best passer in the country gets in the way.

The Michigan Wolverines finally conjured their bowl demons and defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl to punch their ticket to the National Championship after failing miserably in the College Football Playoff semifinals the previous two years.

In Houston, they are going to meet Michael Penix Jr., a gunslinger. In addition to having this year’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, which has only allowed 10 sacks all season, he has passed for over 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns. Moreover, Penix is surrounded by some of the best receivers in the country.

Although the veteran signal-caller has relatively few flaws, Jesse Minter’s team can take several steps to restrict his output. Here are a few methods that Michigan

It goes without saying, but getting pressure on any quarterback and making him uncomfortable often results in bad passes. Fortunately for Penix, his offensive line has done an excellent job keeping him upright.

If Michigan is to slow down Washington’s offense, it’ll start up front. In Michigan’s victory over Alabama, the defensive line’s ability to get after Jalen Milroe alleviated a lot of pressure on the secondary. Penix’s arm strength is capable of beating coverages, meaning the pendulum swings in Washington’s favor the longer it takes Michigan’s defense to get pressure. Penix is a much more experienced quarterback than Milroe and will be harder to rattle, especially with good protection.

Penix also has excellent pocket presence and is mobile enough to buy more time or move the sticks with his feet when needed. Minter will need to be crafty in how he designs blitzes in order to quickly get to Penix. If Michigan allows him to sit in the pocket and go through his reads, it will be a long night for the defense.

 

Spy the check downJim Harbaugh explains how Michael Penix Jr. has the 'it factor' - Maize n  Brew

Penix’s highlight reel is filled with long explosive passes where Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk are making acrobatic catches. What flies under the radar is what Penix does when the big play isn’t there.

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