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Washington quarterback Michael Penix made a statement with his pregame outfit ahead of Monday night’s national championship. The passer was in full stealth mode as he prepped for a matchup with Michigan.
Looking to play the villain in the title contest, the Heisman trophy candidate repped a ski mask while walking out onto the field.
Michael Penix Jr. rocking the ski mask into the Natty 🥶 pic.twitter.com/UzvVEUSFar
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 8, 2024
Penix has played the part well to this point in the year. Leading the Huskies to a perfect 14-0 record, he has the program positioned to win its first national title in three decades.
In many cases, he’s seen doubt. Look no further than the last five games of the season.
Washington has been listed as an underdog at the sportsbooks in three of its last four games. They’ve won each, including last week’s CFP matchup against Texas.
Though many have waited for his team to fail, Penix and Co. have continued to prevail. That doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
While they’ve won every game on the schedule to this point, they’ve lived somewhat dangerously throughout the year.
UW won nine of its last 10 outings by single digits, with that initial playoff win coming down to the final play. Washington swatted away a Quinn Ewers pass attempt in the endzone to secure the victory.
Much of the success in close games can be attributed to Michael Penix, who’s been arguably the nation’s top signal caller.
Penix led college football in passing and his ability to remain cool under pressure has been key to the Huskies’ success in tight games.
Now, he’s not the only villain we’ll see on Monday. Michigan running back Blake Corum fully embraced the Houston vibe while leaning into the narrative surrounding his Wolverine team by rocking a black cowboy hat in his pregame fit.
Penix will hope to buck Michigan’s desperado, and his supporting cast, by pulling yet another upset in the season finale.