The Odyssey is intrigued by a bunch of oddities heading into Monday night’s showdown in Houston:
In the wake of Michigan’s Rose Bowl thriller over Alabama, Maize & Blue faithful could sit back and watch the Sugar Bowl game with some bemusement. Regardless as to who won, UM would have a 2024 rematch in the regular season (Check out Michigan’s 2024 schedule – BRUTAL!!)
One of the most underhyped games of 2023 involved Washington’s visit to Arizona on September 30. The 2023 Washington and Arizona squads have played a total of 27 games. The only game that either team lost in regulation was in Tucson as UW prevailed 31-24.
UW’s winning streak of 21 games is remarkable. Even more remarkable is that their last 10 victories have all come by 10 points or less. The Huskies have been Cardiac Kids in a Pac 12 that was the best conference in 2023 (Sorry, SEC). UW has won 3 straight victories in 2022-23 over Oregon. That the Huskies easily could have lost all 3 to the Ducks reflects the game day acumen of Kalen DeBoer (and/or deficiencies of Dan Lanning).
The Huskies were 9.5 point underdogs to an Oregon team they had already beat in the Pac12 championship game. This lack of respect was due, in part, to underwhelming victories over Stanford and Arizona State. How could an offensive machine like the Huskies not score an offensive TD against the Sun Devils?? One of the most mind-boggling stats of 2023.
When Michigan blew up Alabama’s 4th and goal from the 3, one element was amazing. Right tackle JC Latham was pushed back by Josaiah Stewart to help trip Jalen Milroe on the game’s final play. How does this happen when Latham has a 100-pound advantage over Stewart?
UW’s starting QB, Michael Penix, already has experience in beating UM. As the Indiana QB, the Hoosiers cruised past Michigan, 38-21, during the Wolverines’ sorrowful 2-4 campaign in 2020 – a season so bleak that the highlight for the Maize and Blue was their COVID cancellation of their game in Columbus. Penix’s triumph was even more noteworthy in that the IU triumph was the first over UM since 1987.
With so many weird facts, the Odyssey will not be surprised if more surprises emerge in Houston.