Current:Home > InvestMichael Penix Jr. overcame injury history, but not Michigan's defense, in CFP title game -Dynamic Wealth Solutions
Michael Penix Jr. overcame injury history, but not Michigan's defense, in CFP title game
View
Date:2025-04-16 02:46:26
HOUSTON — Michael Penix Jr. was determined to not let his well-documented injury history define him on college football’s biggest stage.
Despite being hit, sacked and pressured by Michigan’s defense at the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night, the Washington Huskies' quarterback was going to finish the game — hobbling or not.
When asked after the game about his health, Penix gave a blunt assessment of his condition.
“Better than I was three years ago. I was just happy that I was able to finish with the guys,” Penix said. “I knew that I didn’t want them to take me out of that game because I’ve been through it too much. I knew, no matter what, I was going to make sure I finish.”
And that he did.
Penix Jr. went 27-for-51 for 255 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and finished with a quarterback rating of 93.6.
Considering he’s had seasons end because of an ACL, a sternoclavicluar (SC) joint injury and a separated shoulder at his AC joint, getting through a season and subsequently the national championship game mattered a lot to him.
“I’m not healthy, but I’ll be there. I’m good,” Penix Jr. said. “It is nothing major and I’ve talked with doctors and stuff like that, it’s nothing major. If I had to play tomorrow, I’ll play.”
But Penix Jr’s next chance to showcase his skills most likely will come in front of NFL scouts as his six-year collegiate career across two schools, Indiana and now Washington, has come to an end.
“I feel like everything happens for a reason. Everybody knew my story. I’ve been through a lot,” Penix Jr. said. “I’ve had ups and downs. I’m thankful for it all. I’m super blessed to meet coach (Kalen) DoBoer at Indiana and (for him) to lead me here (to Washington) and to be playing in the biggest game in college football.”
That game ended with Washington falling to Michigan, 34-13, and with the Huskies offense finishing with 301 total yards (255 passing, 46 rushing) and having more plays that Michigan (71 to 57), but not the result the Huskies wanted.
“We came here (to Houston) and we wanted to win. That’s been our goal since Day 1. It sucks. We played a good team and they did some good things,” Penix Jr. said. “But on the offensive side of the ball, we missed a lot of opportunities. We are not going to point fingers, nothing like that, there’s a lot of love in the locker room. Everybody was just showing their appreciation for each and every person that laid their body on the line, not just during the season but offseason and everything we been through.”
veryGood! (5)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Helene’s powerful storm surge killed 12 near Tampa. They didn’t have to die
- Progressive prosecutors in Georgia faced backlash from the start. They say it’s all politics.
- US arranges flights to bring Americans out of Lebanon as others seek escape
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Garth Brooks denies rape accusations, says he's 'not the man they have painted me to be'
- Wilmer Valderrama needs his sweatshirts, early morning runs and 'The Golden Bachelor'
- UNC relocates intrasquad scrimmage from Cherokee after Hurricane Helene’s impact to region
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Scary new movies to see this October, from 'Terrifier 3' to 'Salem's Lot'
Ranking
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Photo shows U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler wearing blackface at college Halloween party in 2006
- Nibi the ‘diva’ beaver to stay at rescue center, Massachusetts governor decides
- Port strike may not affect gas, unless its prolonged: See latest average prices by state
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Did You Realize Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s Gossip Girl Connection?
- Who killed Cody Johnson? Parents demand answers in shooting of teen on Texas highway
- NFL Week 5 picks straight up and against spread: Will Cowboys survive Steelers on Sunday night?
Recommendation
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
Scary new movies to see this October, from 'Terrifier 3' to 'Salem's Lot'
Toilet paper makers say US port strike isn’t causing shortages
Caitlin Clark wins WNBA Rookie of the Year after historic debut with Fever
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
Jobs report is likely to show another month of modest but steady hiring gains
Marshawn Lynch is 'College GameDay' guest picker for Cal-Miami: Social media reacts
Why Andrew Garfield Doesn't Think He Wants Kids