Will Johnson's interception helps Michigan regain momentum
Tony PaulMomentum is a funny thing. It can gain steam, or it can flip in an instant.
Washington looked poised to get right back in the national championship game Monday night, scoring right before halftime to pull within 17-10, and then getting the kickoff to start the second half.
But on his first pass of the second half, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made his first critical mistake of the biggest game of his life.
With defensive pressure in the pocket, he rushed a floater to the left sideline, where Michigan sophomore quarterback Will Johnson cut in front of Penix's intended target, Tybo Rogers, batted the ball up, and then corralled it as he fell to the turf.
It was the first turnover of the title game, and Johnson's fourth interception of the season, one off the team lead. (Mike Sainristil has five.)
The pick by Johnson, a Detroit native, was Michigan's 17th interception of the season.
Michigan converted the turnover into a field goal, and took a 20-10 lead early in the third quarter.
Penix's right ankle was stepped on as he made that throw, and he limped off the field, but he was back on the field for Washington's next possession.
@tonypaul1984