George Harris
Jan 09, 2024 - 04:50

Oregon HC Dan Lanning praises archrival Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr ahead of CFP title game

Oregon's Dan Lanning praises Washington's Michael Penix Jr., calling him a standout player. Michigan will face off against Penix in the national championship.

Oregon's Dan Lanning appears to be a big admirer of Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Ducks posed the biggest challenge to the Huskies' journey to the national title game. The two Pac-12 teams engaged in high-scoring battles twice, first during the regular season and then in the conference championship game. Lanning gained a newfound respect for his opponent after the results of both games.

During Monday's ESPN pregame coverage for the national championship game, Lanning expressed his admiration for Penix Jr., stating, "When the lights are bright, he plays even better and it shows up week in, week out. He has great targets he can throw it to outside."

This sentiment is backed up by Penix Jr.'s impressive performances, such as throwing for 430 yards and two touchdowns in the Sugar Bowl against Texas. In the games against the Oregon Ducks, he threw for 302 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in October, and 319 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in December.

However, Penix Jr. will face the nation's best-ranked defense on Monday night. It will be intriguing to see how the Michigan defense contends with Rome Odunze, Penix's favorite target. The Wolverines have only been called for pass interference twice during the season, so the physicality of their defense against Odunze will be a key factor to watch.

The connection between Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze has been exceptional this year, with Odunze amassing 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns in 87 receptions, averaging an impressive 17.9 yards per catch. In the Sugar Bowl against Texas, he recorded 125 yards on six catches. Penix Jr. also has another strong wide receiver in Ja'Lynn Polk, who contributed 122 yards and one touchdown in five receptions during the Sugar Bowl.

Despite being labeled as underdogs, these players remain unfazed, with Polk stating, "Because they always treat us as an underdog, turn on the film, man, and nothing lies. Nothing lies." The Oregon-Washington rivalry continues to be an exciting and compelling narrative in college football.