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The Potato is on the edge of his seat. The Potato has said this is the most important Michigan football season ever and so far it has more than delivered. We've been the story for the bad and the good. One more to go.

The last time Michigan played for the National Championship the Potato couldn't even legally drink yet. It's been that long. 

After losing his voice screaming Michigan to victory at the Rose Bowl - we head to Houston to play for the natty. Let's get it done.

This will be the ultimate test. Washington is also a team of destiny. They've won 21 games in a row. Their QB should have won the heisman. But, just like in the madness bracket, never take the dog to win the title, take the dog to get to the title. 

Dogs rarely win titles - not that they're that big of a dog or even should be... but here's the thing, champions usually climb mountains - they lose before they win. Michigan has the blueprint of the champion. We've had the pain - too much of it - but now we have the experience and guts and players to do it. It's our time. And, here's how we do it.

Offensively, Washington's defense is bad. We should be able to pound the ball and pound it some more. There's going to be gaping holes that we haven't seen in months. Watch Donovan Edwards finally have a good game as his speed bursting thru holes will be big. He might break one. Tons of counter treys and quick gaps runs where the Washington defense will be overwhelmed. McCarthy will be let lose a few plays, too. When they finally decide to stack the box, we'll start throwing in some passing wrinkles. Watch Edwards make a throw, and I can see a reverse or jet sweep break one.

Defensively, the Potato is nervous. This is by far the best offense we will face. They play a style that is almost impossible to defend, manipulating the game the way it should be with long streaks that are basically one-on-one throws where the WR almost always has the advantage. They attack. They are fearless. They are creative. They have a great QB. Their line is good. They are awesome.

To win, we need to take the blueprint of our OSU game from a few years ago. Make them earn everything and get an occasional sack to make them settle for field goals. Do not get beat deep. And, most importantly we have to bring pressure up the middle to get Penix off his timing. Blitzing up the middle will be key but only bring 4 or 5 tops. Do not bring the house - that is what they want. And, as much zone as possible with ideally two deep safeties. Penix loves one on one throws. That's the formula.

So, what's going to happen...settle in. No lead will be safe. Michigan will jump out to a 10-0 lead. Washington will bounce back going up 14-10. Then, Michigan will reinforce their will going up 27-14. Washington will score to make this super tight at 27-21. Michigan will kick a FG to go up 30-21 giving fans a tad of breathing room. Washington will then not back down scoring a TD with 8 minutes to go making it 30-28. Michigan will get the ball back and will put together a championship drive to lock it up with a Corum TD going for it again on 4th down somewhere. Washington will move the ball quickly and get a FG and that will be it after the onside kick.

Prediction: 37-31

Michigan is champions and the Potato will be the happiest Potato on the planet. 

GO BLUE!