Michigan football: 3 takeaways from first national title win since 1997

2. Michigan smothered Michael Penix Jr.

Anyone who has watched Michael Penix Jr. this season knows that if he gets enough time, he's nearly impossible to stop -- or even slow down. Michigan knew this coming in and came after Penix early and often.

In fact, the Wolverines pressured him from the start and that elite Washington offensive line which was considered the best in college football had problems all game long. From false starts to holds, the offensive line struggled to get the job done and Penix took a ton of hits because of it. He was holding his ribs and limping off the field by the end of the game because these guys just simply couldn't protect their Heisman-caliber passer.

Penix had one of his worst games of the season and it's because the Michigan defense just played how it usually does, holding him to 255 passing yards and a touchdown with two picks on 27-of-51 passing. He would even tell you that this defense had him figured out.

Sure, Penix missed a few critical throws, but man did he ever look rushed and uncomfortable. Have to give Michigan's defense major props.