Michigan picks off Washington on 1st play of 2nd half to flip momentum
Michigan picked off Michael Penix Jr. on the first play of the 2nd half. The Washington Huskies were hoping to build off of some positive momentum from the 2nd quarter. Instead, Penix was picked off by Will Johnson on the first play.
It was an incredible individual effort by Johnson with a Washington receiver dislodging the pass initially. However, Johnson refocused and secured the ball just inside the sideline for an amazing pick.
WILL JOHNSON PICKS OFF PENIX JR. TO START THE SECOND HALF 😱#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/RiG1j5jXeL
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2024
The Wolverines got the ball in great field position, but the Huskies were able to hold them. The Wolverines settled for a field goal to extend their lead to 20-10. The interception was just the 10th of the season for Penix.
The Wolverines have been one of the best teams in the nation at forcing turnovers. The team is tied for 9th in the country in interceptions forced in 2023.
The Huskies struggled to find any rhythm early and fell into a 14-3 hole at the end of the 1st quarter. In the 2nd, the Huskies outscored the Wolverines 7-3, with Penix finding Jalen McMillan in the end zone right before the half, making it 17-10.
With just under 9 minutes in the 3rd, the Huskies trailed 20-13. Penix has completed 16-of-26 passes for 154 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. The Wolverines have not gotten much going through the air, but have racked up 227 yards on the ground.