Michigan’s defense displayed excellent communication early in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday night.
Whenever the Huskies shifted or switched their formation, the Wolverines communicated well to ensure they had everyone properly defended. They even appeared to have at least some Washington signals picked.
Early in the first quarter, Washington had a 1st-and-10 from their 42. The Huskies were ready to run a hurry-up play, but then quarterback Michael Penix Jr. checked the sidelines for a changed play call. Michigan responded with several of their players making the same motion. Many Wolverines defensive players held their right arm up and pointed to the far sideline.
Did Michigan's defense know some Washington offensive signals? Their players all seemed to communicate the same sign after Washington checked the sideline for the call pic.twitter.com/cPOFtEpw7w
— Larry Brown Sports (@larrybrownsport) January 9, 2024
It was like they knew that Washington was going to pass to that part of the field. They were able to smother Will Nixon after a 3-yard catch on the play.
The Huskies were able to drive to the Michigan 8 but stalled and ended up kicking a field goal on the possession.
Even without Connor Stalions around, the Wolverines’ defense seemed to have a good idea of what was coming — at least on that play.
